2023 has been an up-and-down season for the Houston Astros. Following their 2022 World Series championship, they have struggled slightly, but seem to have found a winning formula. This has left them in an intense battle for playoff contention in the AL West. Most recently, the Dusty Baker-led side lost a closely contested game due to a controversial umpire’s call.

Notably, the Astros faced a close defeat against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of a controversial call. It was a close result that unfortunately went against the Astros. This has left fans fuming as they unload a flurry of angry reactions at the umpires.

Houston Astros lose the latest game on a controversial balk call

In the bottom of the 8th inning, the Dodgers had runners on second and third base. Astros pitcher Ryne Stanek was pitching on a 3-2 count against Miguel Rojas. Umpires controversially called Stanek for a balk, as he seemingly lifted his foot off of the pitching rubber. The reason for the balk call was that Stanek moved his knee, a supposedly deceptive play. This allowed the Dodgers’ man on third base to walk to home plate and score the eventual game-winning run. FOX Sports: MLB shared a video of the incident on Twitter. Stanek and Astros manager Dusty Baker were left incensed by the incident.

In a Tweet, they said, “The Dodgers take the lead in the 8th after Ryne Stanek is called for a balk”. It was a truly unfortunate call that lost the game for the Houston-based MLB team. Furthermore, in the aftermath of the decision, Stanek was ejected for arguing the call and shouting at the officials. His skipper soon followed as Baker was also handed his marching orders.

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The reactions to this call have been mixed. Some fans find it funny and support the balk call. Others are enraged by it.

Some fans found it funny that the Astros got the balk call.

Other fans were left furious by the call.

Stanek was particularly shocked by the call, as he has not been handed a balk before in his MLB career. But regardless of the call, the Astros suffered a devastating loss despite Alex Bregman smashing a Grand Slam. Additionally, they are not the only team that has suffered from controversial umpire calls in recent weeks.

Umpires’ calls have caused controversy recently

Earlier this week, the Texas Rangers were subjected to an egregious call that lost them a game. On another occasion, they were subject to a call that led to three ejections. When Rangers infielder Marcus Semien was called out on a checked swing, he, pitching coach Mike Maddux and team manager Bruce Bochy were ejected for arguing the call. Controversial umpiring calls have wronged the Rangers in recent weeks. The Astros have just recently joined the party with this balk call. 

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What do you think about the controversial balk call that caused the Houston Astros to lose? Kindly share your views on the topic in the comments below!