The Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers rivalry took things up a notch in Game 5 of a thrilling ALCS. Adolis García hit a home run in the clutch to a Globe Life Field crowd that could give one chills. But then José Altuve retaliated with a home run of his own, sending the Stros to a 5-4 victory. While it was an absolutely exhilarating match-up, there was yet another adrenaline-inducing moment just before in the form of a benches-clearing brawl.
Tensions are higher than ever and understandably, the players retaliated the only way they knew how. While Martín Maldonado has spoken on it, Adolis García, the original instigator, is sharing his thoughts.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Adolis García Does Not Approve of the Astros’ Methods
It was the sixth inning when the Rangers outfielder blasted a go-ahead three-run homer off Justin Verlander. The moonshot was undeniably beautiful, and Adolis García stood a moment to admire it. In celebration, he smashed his bat to the ground before prancing around the bases. It helped Texas take the lead and Globe Life Field was ecstatic. Of course, the Houston Astros were not.
In his next at-bat in the eighth, reliever Bryan Abreu hit García in the ribs. It could have been fine but the Rangers slugger knew it could have been a result of his earlier celebration. He immediately turned to Astros catcher, Martín Maldonado, and the spark was ignited. Benches cleared, delaying the game by several minutes.
Afterward, as the Astros won 5-4 with José Altuve’s home run, García spoke to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale in disapproval. “We’re in the postseason, you know. It’s the moment. You hit a ball like that, you’re going to celebrate..If they’re trying to react to that, I don’t think that’s the correct way.”
Rangers OF Adolis Garcia, asked if he thought he was intentionally hit for his HR celebration: "We're in the postseason, you know. It's the moment. You hit a ball like that, you're going to celebrate..If they're trying to react to that, I don't think that's the correct way.''
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 21, 2023
The umpires ruled it an intention HBP and ejected both players, plus Stros manager Dusty Baker for protesting his pitcher’s move. As usual, Astros fans are celebrating but Rangers are angry.
Houston Astros Once Again Face Fan Scrutiny
No one has forgotten the 2017 cheating scandal and no one likely ever will. It turned the Houston Astros from a celebrated club to one of the most disliked teams in an instant.
WATCH THIS STORY – Every MLB Team That Has Never Won a World Series
Abreu’s hit garnered fan reactions seen all too often associated with the reigning World Series champs.
Because y’all are a classless organization. Pretty simple answer.
— Texas Rangers Insider (@RangersInsiders) October 20, 2023
Many have labeled the Astros simply “classless”
Perfect scenario to describe the Houston Astros. Classless organization.
— ALCS BOUND Corey’s Corner (@133Coreyscorner) October 20, 2023
Conversely, one labeled García as a hypocrite for trying to start a fight.
And trying to start a fight…. Is that the correct way? I mean for real does he not see the hypocrisy in what he just said.
— Sassycurlz (@sassycurlz1975) October 21, 2023
Nightengale’s post on X was full of Astros supporters criticizing the Rangers slugger.
6th inning home run, unnecessary reaction and even worst after he got hit causing a huge delay of the game for his closer in the dugout.
— Ricardo Gibbon P (@RicardoGibbon) October 21, 2023
But a few angry fans remained, as usual.
I agree. The Astros are fucking losers. Also cheaters. Acknowledge that Bob.
— Drew Smith (@drewmsmith) October 21, 2023
Even though some labeled García’s celebration as “antics,” they didn’t approve of the Astros’ move.
Astros being so petty hitting Garcia for his home run antics
— X (@theDinPhD) October 20, 2023
In a huge upset to Texas, Houston may have won this game. But their reputation keeps losing.
Written by
Edited by
Deepanshi Bajaj