The Houston Astros drew first blood in the Lone Star series after edging the Texas Rangers at Minute Maid Park on Monday night. However, Kyle Tucker, who sealed the victory for Houston, has been accused by fans of cheating.
With the scores level at 9-9 in the ninth inning, Yainer Diaz registered a hit to right field, sending Tucker racing to home plate. He slid in and the umpire ruled him safe, sealing the Astros win.
However, fans on Twitter were left fuming after the close call, reckoning that Tucker never touched the plate and should have been ruled out.
"They cheat that was clearly out," one fan wrote.
"He never touched the plate," said another fan.
The Astros' 10-9 victory in the series opener was their fifth win in their last six games. The dramatic finish reminded people of the frantic encounter earlier in the MLB season that ended 12-11 in Arlington.
The Texas Rangers, despite the loss, are at the summit of the AL West with the Astros in hot pursuit.
Houston Astros prevail in a hard-fought game against Texas Rangers
The Rangers' Josh Jung gave his side the lead after walloping a two-run homer at the top of the first inning.
It was his 20th home run of the season, making him only the sixth player in franchise history to hit 20 or more home runs in a rookie season.
Chas McCormick's two-run double helped Houston take the lead in the game. However, the Rangers' Josh Smith solidified his side's lead with the longest homer of his career at the top of the fourth inning.
The game seemed to have swung in favor of the Rangers in the top of the seventh inning after the visitors scored three.
However, the pendulum swung in the home side's favor after McCormick sent the crowd into a frenzy with a three-run homer. With the game level in the ninth inning, Yainer Diaz's single helped the hosts clinch the series opener.
The famed rivals will take on each other in the second installment of the derby on Tuesday, with Houston within two games of the first-place Rangers in the American League West standings.