Wed Sep 18 06:21:52 UTC 2024: ## Astros Edge Padres in Wild 10th Inning Thriller
**SAN DIEGO (AP)** – The Houston Astros pulled off a dramatic 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres Tuesday night, with a controversial ejection setting the stage for a thrilling 10th inning.
The game’s turning point came in the bottom of the ninth, when Houston second baseman Jose Altuve was ejected for removing his cleat and sock to demonstrate a foul ball off his foot. Altuve, who insisted the ball hit him on the foot, was visibly frustrated by the umpire’s call, as was manager Joe Espada who was also ejected for arguing the call.
The incident led to the Astros sending in Grae Kessinger to replace Altuve. Kessinger, making his first appearance since July 13th, stepped into a crucial situation as the automatic runner in the 10th inning. He advanced to second on a groundout and then scored the game-winning run on a single by Kyle Tucker.
Kessinger then secured the win by making a spectacular play at second base in the bottom of the 10th, turning a grounder into a force out.
Manny Machado had a memorable night for the Padres, hitting his 27th home run and breaking Nate Colbert’s 50-year-old Padres record for all-time home runs. However, the Padres couldn’t hold on to the lead and were ultimately left frustrated by the controversial calls and the Astros’ late-inning surge.
The Astros will look to continue their momentum Wednesday as they send Framber Valdez to the mound, while the Padres will counter with Dylan Cease.
First Piper 