Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado faces flak for starting dustup against Seattle Mariners: "Astros trying to cheat as per usual"

The Seattle Mariners earned a rare series win against their American League West rivals, the Houston Astros, following their fiercely contested 3-1 victory yesterday.

The game saw tempers flare in the fourth inning. The benches cleared due to a confrontation between Mariners rookie Jose Caballero and veteran Astros catcher Martin Maldonado.

Talkin’ Baseball

@TalkinBaseball_

Benches cleared in Seattle after Jose Caballero and Martín Maldonado started jawing at each other over being "quick pitched"

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Benches cleared in Seattle after Jose Caballero and Martín Maldonado started jawing at each other over being "quick pitched" https://t.co/58HXrGXXRd

Jose Caballero took exception to what was said to him by Martin Maldonado on the back of a "quick pitch". The two got right into each other, exchanging pleasantries at home plate. The animosity between the two teams was very clear for everyone to see.

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“I told him to get the [expletive] back in the box,” Maldonado told Houston reporters after the game.

The rookie infielder, however, held his ground much to the delight of the Mariners faithful.

SoDo Mojo

@SodoMojoFS

For those wondering what or who fueled the dust up yesterday with that OTHER team, look no further than our rookie second baseman. Thanks for the insights, @RyanDivish.

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For those wondering what or who fueled the dust up yesterday with that OTHER team, look no further than our rookie second baseman. Thanks for the insights, @RyanDivish. https://t.co/DrLUKDa5di

"For those wondering what or who fueled the dust up yesterday with that OTHER team, look no further than our rookie second baseman. Thanks for the insights, @RyanDivish." - SoDo Mojo, Twitter.

Fans praised Caballero for taking on not just one, but two players, and in stark contrast, lambasted Maldonado for unnecessarily picking a bone. Fans suggested he up his game before passing comments about others.

2023 AL MVP Jarred HIMenic

@ImgoodboyTucker

@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Maldonado is only a tough guy when he has his full catchers gear on

@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Maldonado is only a tough guy when he has his full catchers gear on

Joe

@JoePepper03

@TalkinBaseball_ Astros trying to cheat as per usual

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@TalkinBaseball_ Astros trying to cheat as per usual

Ben Sansaver

@BenSansaver

@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Once Maldonado can get his career batting avg up to his weight, he can start telling people what to do.

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@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Once Maldonado can get his career batting avg up to his weight, he can start telling people what to do.

Bohn Crain Jr

@BC_JR13

@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Had the go-ahead rbi on Saturday and ticked off the Astros on Sunday?? Have a weekend Jose!! 🫡

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@SodoMojoFS @RyanDivish Had the go-ahead rbi on Saturday and ticked off the Astros on Sunday?? Have a weekend Jose!! 🫡

Colin Vail

@VailColin

@TalkinBaseball_ If the batter’s in the box and is attentive to the pitcher should the pitcher not be allowed to throw a pitch? Maybe spend less time twirling the bat around pretending to be ready by the 8 second mark.

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@TalkinBaseball_ If the batter’s in the box and is attentive to the pitcher should the pitcher not be allowed to throw a pitch? Maybe spend less time twirling the bat around pretending to be ready by the 8 second mark.

Baby Bambino

@BabyBambino0

@TalkinBaseball_ If ur gonna clear the benches there better be some punches what r we doing

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@TalkinBaseball_ If ur gonna clear the benches there better be some punches what r we doing

Levi Rouse

@Rouse7Levi

@BabyBambino0 @TalkinBaseball_ for real—kids don’t respect the game anymore 🤣

@BabyBambino0 @TalkinBaseball_ for real—kids don’t respect the game anymore 🤣

Luis Castillo Enjoyer (Seth Roberts)

@sethroberts861

@TalkinBaseball_ Classic Astros start crying when they down

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@TalkinBaseball_ Classic Astros start crying when they down

Kyle Whittinghill

@KyWhittinghill

@TalkinBaseball_ Did the umpire actually escalate that?

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@TalkinBaseball_ Did the umpire actually escalate that?

riley ✨

@rileyy_adamss

@TalkinBaseball_ maldonado needs to relax

@TalkinBaseball_ maldonado needs to relax

The Seattle Mariners look to continue good run of form against the Rangers

The Seattle Mariners enjoyed an incredibly sweet and rare series victory against the Houston Astros last night. They closed out the third game 3-1 to take the series two games to one.

This week, the Mariners will shift their focus to their division leaders, the Texas Rangers, a formidable opponent with red-hot bats and solid pitchers. The Mariners will need a strong showing if they are to gain more ground.

Game 1 will take place on Monday at 6:40 PM PDT from the T-Mobile Park in Seattle.

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