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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 26, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) is relieved by manager Dusty Baker (12) in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2021-10-27T012014Z_1051074888_MT1USATODAY17033635_RTRMADP_3_MLB-WORLD-SERIES-ATLANTA-BRAVES-AT-HOUSTON-ASTROS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 26, 2021; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) is relieved by manager Dusty Baker (12) in the third inning against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the 2021 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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
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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.
The Dodgers take the lead in the 8th after Ryne Stanek is called for a balk
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/9lmd99IHlv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 25, 2023
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.
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.
CHEATERS GET CHEATED ? ITS BEAUTIFUL 🤣🤣🤣
— annoying dodger fan (@dodgersbetter) June 25, 2023
I HOPE THEY FEEL CHEATED OUT OF THIS GAME ☺️🤣
— annoying dodger fan (@dodgersbetter) June 25, 2023
Houston tears are the best kind.
— Tommy (@Irieska) June 25, 2023
Couldn’t happen to a nicer team. 😂
— Down By The River (@OTRDoubleYellow) June 25, 2023
Other fans were left furious by the call.
Umps are so disgusting. 🤮 A damn shame they are determining the outcome of this game
— Brock Corral (@BrockCorral) June 25, 2023
Stepping off the mound is a balk now. Stanek has never balked in his ENTIRE mlb career until now when those umps picked their winner in a tie game
— Caleb Mann (@Caleb_Mann04) June 25, 2023
This is probably the worst called balk I’ve ever seen… just doesn’t make sense how it was called
— TylerS (@itsTylerS_) June 25, 2023
Getting really tired of umps taking over games because they feel like it.
— Thomas Beavera (@beaverst) June 25, 2023
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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!