Astros vs. Dodgers: A Historic Showdown with Lingering Controversies

The recent 18-1 victory by the Houston Astros over the Los Angeles Dodgers has reignited discussions surrounding the infamous cheating scandal that marred the Astros’ 2017 World Series title. This decisive defeat has left an indelible mark on the Dodgers, ever since they lost the championship to the Astros amidst allegations of unethical play.

A Game Tainted by Cheating Accusations

During the game, Orel Hershiser, a legendary figure in Dodgers history, made a pointed comment regarding the Astros’ performance. After Houston extended their lead, Hershiser remarked, “I don’t want to open an old wound, but in some ways, they’re swinging at these breaking balls like they know what is coming.”

Key Moments from the Game:

• First Inning: The Astros surged ahead with a 2-0 lead.
• Fourth Inning: The score escalated to 4-1 after a double and a home run, setting the stage for Hershiser’s comments.
• Subsequent Hits: The Astros scored five extra-base hits in just two-plus innings, further fueling the conversation about their past.

Hershiser’s Observations

Hershiser, who pitched for the Dodgers from 1983-1994, highlighted a significant moment in the third inning. Commenting on a particular pitch, he noted:

“That’s not a bad pitch. It’s really a very good pitch. Low and away, probably would have ended up by the ankles if it would have made it past the bat.”

This statement reflects not only his expertise but also the lingering suspicion surrounding the Astros’ methods during their championship-winning season.

The Astros: A Team Under Scrutiny

The Astros will likely bear the label of “cheaters” for years to come, primarily due to their illegal sign-stealing practices during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. Key details include:

• Sign-Stealing Methods: The Astros utilized video footage to decode opponents’ signs and employed tactics like banging on trash cans to relay pitches to players.
• World Series Outcome: These tactics culminated in a dramatic 7-game series against the Dodgers, where Houston secured their first championship.

Former Dodgers player Cody Bellinger has been vocal about his discontent, claiming that Jose Altuve “stole” the 2017 AL MVP title from teammate Aaron Judge. Such sentiments highlight the ongoing resentment felt by many in the league.

Dodgers Fans React

The atmosphere during the recent game was electric, with Dodgers fans vocally expressing their discontent. Chants of “cheater” directed at Altuve echoed throughout the stadium, demonstrating that the scandal is far from forgotten.

Manager’s Insight

Following the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on the performance of his pitchers, saying:

“I don’t think Ben was good tonight. It seemed like they were on everything he threw up there.”

Roberts’ remarks could be interpreted as a subtle jab at the Astros, suggesting that their past tactics may have resurfaced.

Conclusion: The Fallout from a Historic Game

The fallout from this game goes beyond mere statistics. For the Dodgers, it’s a painful reminder of a championship lost amid disputed practices. As the Astros continue to experience success, they must contend with the shadow of their past.

For more information on the impacts of sign-stealing in baseball, check out this detailed analysis from ESPN.