Marcus Semien gets ejected after the replay doesn't go his way, a breakdown

In a close game with the Oakland Athletics trailing the Houston Astros by two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Marcus Semien steps up to the plate with two outs and two runners on base. On a 2-2 count, Semien takes a breaking ball from Astros pitcher Justin Verlander that lands down the right field line. There is immediate confusion as the first base umpire rules the ball foul, but replays appear to show the ball hitting the chalk line, which would typically indicate a fair ball. Athletics manager Bob Melvin comes out to discuss the call with the umpires. Melvin argues passionately, saying "The ball hits the line, the chalk flies up - I don't understand how you call that foul." However, the umpires stand by their initial ruling and Semien is unable to continue the at-bat. Visibly frustrated, Semien begins yelling at the umpires, saying "This shit, this shit" and continuing to protest the call. Ultimately, the umpires eject Semien from the game for his outburst. Melvin avoids ejection himself, though he makes it clear he vehemently disagrees with the umpires' decision. "I told you how many times," Melvin says. "The ball hit the chalk, it hit the chalk." With Semien ejected, the threat ends as the next batter, Jed Lowrie, grounds out to end the inning. The Athletics are unable to mount a comeback, going on to lose the game 4-2 to their division rival Astros. The controversial call and Semien's emotional reaction highlighted the high stakes of the late-inning at-bat. The Athletics were trailing in the bottom of the ninth, making every opportunity crucial as they tried to mount a comeback against the first-place Astros. Semien, an All-Star second baseman, was clearly frustrated that what he believed to be a fair ball was ruled foul, potentially costing his team a chance to tie or even take the lead. The heated exchange between Semien and the umpires, as well as Melvin's defense of his player, underscores the intensity of the rivalry between these two American League West contenders. With the Astros holding a comfortable lead in the division, every game is crucial for the Athletics as they try to keep pace and secure a playoff spot. This moment epitomizes the high stakes and emotions that can boil over in such a tight divisional race.