Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been ejected from Game 1 of the AL Championship Series against the Houston Astros for arguing a called third strike in the fifth inning that ended Boston's first rally of the game.
There were two out, two on and two runs already in when Justin Verlander threw a 98 mph fastball to Andrew Benintendi near the outside corner Saturday for strike three. Benintendi slammed his helmet and bat down and jawed with plate umpire James Hoye before Red Sox coaches ran in to get between them.
Cora continued to yell from the dugout and was tossed by Hoye. The first-year Red Sox manager, who had been ejected once before this season, handed the lineup card to Ron Roenicke and walked down the tunnel.
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora argues a strike three call with umpire Joe West during the fifth inning in Game 1 of a baseball American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston. (AP PhotoCharles Krupa)
More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora argues a strike three call during the fifth inning in Game 1 of a baseball American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston. (AP PhotoElise Amendola)
Houston Astros manager AJ Hinch, left, and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora shake Hanes before Game 1 of a baseball American League Championship Series on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Boston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)