Benches clear as tensions bubble over in Houston Astros’ narrow victory over Texas Rangers in ALCS

Game 5 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers on Friday turned into a heated confrontation, causing both benches to clear.

The tension escalated in the eighth inning when Bryan Abreu, pitching for the Astros, struck Texas’ Adolis García on the shoulder with a 98.9 mph fastball.

García immediately dropped his bat and confronted Houston catcher Martín Maldonado, exchanging words on the field. The altercation prompted both teams to rush onto the field, resulting in the ejection of Abreu, García, and Houston manager Dusty Baker after a 12-minute delay.

Speaking through a translator, García explained, “I reacted instinctively when the ball came towards me. There was a potential for injury, and I communicated that it shouldn’t happen.”

Prior to the incident, García had hit a three-run homer and celebrated by slowly walking along the first-base line before forcefully planting his bat in the Globe Life Field turf.

In the ninth inning, Jose Altuve’s three-run homer secured a thrilling 5-4 victory for the Astros in Game 5 of the ALCS. With three consecutive wins, they now hold a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series and are one step away from reaching the World Series.

The next game, Game 6 of the ALCS, will take place at Minute Maid Park in Houston on Sunday.

The winner will face either the Philadelphia Phillies or the Arizona Cardinals in the World Series.

In another match on Friday, the Arizona Diamondbacks squared the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies with a 6-5 victory in Game 4 at Chase Field.

The Diamondbacks enter Game 5 in Phoenix with momentum after securing two consecutive wins against the Phillies.

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