The Houston Astros produced a strong performance to clinch Game 5 of the World Series against the Atlanta Braves yesterday. While the AL Pennant winners kept themselves alive in the Fall Classic, controversy took over in the eighth inning.

José Altuve found himself in the middle of the storm as he attempted to steal a base. Although the umpires used instant replay to review their decision, the outcome ultimately left several fans enraged.

Controversy erupts as umpires declare José Altuve safe in the eighth inning

Facing a do-or-die situation, the Astros fell behind massively in the bottom of the first inning. With all bases loaded, Adam Duvall smashed a monstrous hit to record a Grand Slam which gave the Braves a 4-0 lead right from the off.

Despite this setback, the Astros fought back to tie the game in the next two innings. Alex Bregman, Martin Maldonado, Carlos Correa and Yuli Gurriel recorded crucial RBIs to level the scores at four apiece.

Freddie Freeman then scored a solo home run for the Braves to give them a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the third. However, this would be the NL Pennant winners’ last runs as the Astros brought their A-game to take an 8-5 lead after the seventh inning.

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During the top of the eighth inning, Altuve attempted to catch Braves’ relief pitcher Drew Smyly off guard to steal second base. On spotting Altuve’s attempt, Smyly threw the ball to Freeman, who threw it to shortstop Dansby Swanson. The umpire adjudged the Venezuelan to be safe, a call against which the Braves took a review.

While replays showed Altuve was just inches away from the base when Swanson tagged him, the umpires declared he was safe. Ultimately, the 31-year-old scored the final run of the game as Correa added another RBI to his tally, with the Astros winning 9-5.

READ MORE: “Cheater!”- Atlanta Braves Fans Trash Jose Altuve and Houston Astros From Stands

Can the Houston Astros benefit from home advantage?

Although they won Game 5, Game 6 remains a win-or-go-home game for the 2017 World Series champions. However, they will play tomorrow’s game in the Minute Maid Park, which could give them some respite.

After two low-scoring games, the Astros finally produced a fine hitting display yesterday. And with their fans behind them tomorrow, expect them to produce another fighting performance under the lights tomorrow.

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