BOSTON (AP) — Tensions rose during a recent game between the Houston Astros and the Boston Red Sox after Astros reliever Héctor Neris used a balk to advance a runner.
In the seventh inning, Neris gave up a crucial two-out RBI double to Trevor Story. After balking, he moved Story to third base, but was visibly frustrated. As he stepped off the mound, he exchanged words with Red Sox third base coach Kyle Hudson. This led to both teams spilling onto the field, although order was restored quickly.
When asked if he thought the Red Sox were stealing signs, Neris replied, “Maybe. Maybe yes, maybe no.” He added, “I just wanted to focus on the game,” explaining that his actions were instinctual.
Neris didn’t dive into details about what he said to Hudson, keeping it lighthearted. “Nothing serious. Just part of the game,” he smiled.
Astros manager Joe Espada was unclear about the situation. He mentioned he would check with Neris for clarity but seemed unaware of the exchange. On the other side, Red Sox manager Alex Cora chose to refer questions back to Neris.
In today’s game, sign-stealing remains a concern. Teams now use electronic systems like PitchCom to streamline pitching calls. Yet, sneaky baserunners can still pick up on pitchers’ grips to anticipate pitches.
The Astros previously faced serious consequences for sign-stealing, notably during their 2017 World Series win and again in 2018. Cora, who was Houston’s bench coach in 2017, faced backlash for his role. After a one-season suspension, he returned as the Red Sox manager in November 2020.
This incident is a reminder of how rivalries and tensions run deep in baseball. Fans are left wondering: are teams still pushing the boundaries of fair play?
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Kyle Hudson, Hector Neris, Trevor Story, Houston Astros, Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox, Carlos Narvez, Joe Espada, Baseball, MA State Wire, TX State Wire, MLB, Massachusetts, Texas, Sports, MLB baseball