Editorial

Houston Astros Stars Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman Hit On Back-To-Back Pitches

OCTOBER 25: Jose Altuve #27 and Roberto Osuna #54 of the Houston Astros of the Houston Astros celebrate their teams 4-1 win over the Washington Nationals in Game Three of the 2019 World Series at Nationals Park on October 25, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

William Davis Contributor
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Houston Astros stars Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman were hit on back-to-back pitches during an exhibition game Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals.

At the time, the bases were loaded, and the Royals essentially gifted the Astros two runs, allowing them to extend their lead to 3-0. (RELATED: Former World Series Champion Aubrey Huff Rips Baseball Anthem Protests: ‘I’m PRO America’)

This sparked speculation as to whether it was just a coincidence that Altuve and Bregman were hit on back-to-back pitches. Of course, both Astros stars were front and center in the team’s sign-stealing scandal, which led to the firing of general manager Jeff Lunhow and manager AJ Hinch, the loss of four draft picks, and a permanent stain on the organization’s 2017 World Series title. (RELATED: Odds Released For How Many Times Astros Batters Will Be Hit By Pitches This Season)

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 01: (L-R) Justin Verlander #35, Jose Altuve #27, and Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros hold the Commissioner's Trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game seven to win the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

(L-R) Justin Verlander #35, Jose Altuve #27, and Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros hold the Commissioner’s Trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 in game seven to win the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium on November 1, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

If this was intentional from the Royals, it was certainly odd timing given that the bases were loaded in a one-run game. Then again, it was just an exhibition game, so it’s possible that the Royals were just trying to send a message, and didn’t care about the score. Both Altuve and Bregman have expressed remorse over the scandal, but it’s clear that this will follow them for the duration of this coronavirus-shortened season, and probably the rest of their careers as well.