Controversies have been a part and parcel of baseball. Game 5 of the ALCS was no different. In a match that had everything to keep the fans engaged, the Houston Astros edged out their in-state rivals, the Texas Rangers 5-4 to lead the ALCS 3-2 with two games still on the cards. However, Astros supporters are seething over the MLB’s ruling, alleging that the league has resorted to drastic measures to impede Houston’s winning streak.

Apart from being a close edge-of-the-seat thriller, the game was marred by a multitude of controversies. The rivalry seemed so intense that no team was in the mood to give an inch to the other. But events that transpired after it raised eyebrows and divided opinions all over the baseball world.

What exactly happened during the game 5 of ALCS?

In a surprising turn of events, MLB has handed a two-game suspension to Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu along with an undisclosed fine. MLB announced on Saturday that Abreu has been suspended for throwing a 99mph ball intentionally at Alodis Garcia’s left shoulder. The incident took place during the eighth inning. Upon being hit, Garcia got in the face of Astros catcher Martin Maldonado. This resulted in a bench-clearing brawl that caused a delay. 

The 26-year-old pitcher has the option of appealing his punishment, although has only 48 hours to do it. If he fails, Abreu might be forced to serve his ban during the ALCS or World Series. Which will be a terrible blow to his team’s chances as he has done well this season.

After the game, Abreu commented, “My plan was to get the ball up and in, then slider down and away. I just missed the pitch.” However, per the league’s official announcement, Abreu’s throw was determined to be deliberate by all six umpires.

In addition to Abreu, fines were handed out to Adolis Garcia for his behavior and also to Astros Manager Dusty Baker, along with bench players Lance Mcullers Jr and Matt Bush. McCullers and Bush are prohibited from occupying the dugout for the duration of the ALCS. The decision has left several Astros fans fuming.

Houston Astros fans aren’t pleased

In the aftermath of the decision to suspend Abreu, Astros fans are all up in arms. In the wake of the incident, one fan commented, “This is the dumbest sh*t I’ve ever seen. Where is this energy when our guys are intentionally hit and folks CHEER? Weak asf” describing his disappointment.

Astros fans didn’t seem to believe that Abreu’s throw was intentional at all as one disgruntled fan said, “This is so dumb. Wasn’t intentional at all”

Many fans seemed particularly unhappy with the MLB’s decision not to hand out a suspension to Adolis Garcia. “Such bullsh*t.” said one unhappy fan. “Garcia gets nothing for getting physical on the ump and Maldonado??”

Meanwhile, some fans accused MLB of being against the Astros, stating, “MLB (is) doing everything they can to make sure the Astros lose”.

Another fan also seemed to share the same emotion, saying, “MLB just come out and say you are against the Astros!!!”.

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The baseball world is yet to see how this story transpires, but it has surely set the fan emotions at an all-time high. With bad blood already between the two teams, Game 6 is a must-watch. It will be interesting to see if the Astros manage to stay on their winning ways or if the Rangers can post a comeback. Do you support MLB’s decision to suspend Abreu? Let us know!

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