Astros Beat Rangers on Controversial Call at Home Plate That Left Announcers in Disbelief

Houston is two games back of Texas after its narrow series-opening victory.

In a razor-thin AL West race, every game counts. The insurgent Rangers have spent much of 2023 trying to hold off the dynastic Astros, at a 59–42 lead over Houston by two games with just over two months left in the regular season.

That lead, however, is one game fewer than it was on Monday—thanks to a play that had the Rangers’ commentary team stewing.

With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Astros designated hitter Yainer Díaz singled in right fielder Kyle Tucker to ostensibly win the 10–9 game for Houston. However, a lengthy replay review ensued as some angles appeared to show Tucker failing to touch the plate before catcher Jonah Heim tagged him.

When Tucker was finally ruled safe, Texas’s television commentators on Bally Sports Southwest were incredulous. 

The Texas Rangers announcers on Bally Sports Southwest were convinced that the umpires got the call wrong. And were incredulous when the call on the field stood after a bang-bang play at the plate.

You be the judge... pic.twitter.com/qc99tp0cG6

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 25, 2023

“They must’ve seen the front of that foot was down when it caught the plate because other than that I don’t see it,” color commentator C.J. Nitkowski said.

The Rangers will have two more cracks at beating the Astros in this series on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.