The Houston Astros made quick work of the Chicago White Sox in the ALDS, taking them out at Guaranteed Rate Field in Game 4 to clinch the series.
During the 8th inning with a 7-1 lead, Astros reliever Kendall Graveman came inside with a heater and plunked White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu. It got Chicago manager Tony La Russa out of the dugout and he was visibly upset. Per ESPN, La Russa expanded on those frustrations after the loss.
“It will be a good test of the character and credibility of the winning team because it was intentional,” La Russa said. “Catcher kept looking in the dugout, so they did hit him intentionally.
“I'll be really curious. They should have the guts to admit that they did it.”
It sure didn't seem like it was intentional from Graveman although those situations are always tough to judge. It wouldn't make any sense to hit Abreu with a 7-1 lead in the 8th inning of a game and series that didn't feature much drama or hit batters at all between the Astros and White Sox.
Astros manager Dusty Baker was made aware of the comments from the White Sox skipper and he disagreed with the take.
“I beg to differ with Tony,” Baker said. “There was no intent, and there was no reason to do that. Zero.”
It was a disappointing end to a great season for the White Sox. The Astros move on to the ALCS where they will take on the Boston Red Sox.
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