Astros: Dusty Baker, Martin Maldonado fire back at Ryan Tepera’s cheating comment

The Houston Astros weren’t happy with White Sox reliever Ryan Tepera for his cheating comment, as it doesn’t have much basis.

Tepera claimed the Astros are up to some sketchy business at Minute Maid Park, which would explain Houston winning the first two games of this series at home. All he did was poke the beast, however, as the Astros responded in turn.

Here is Tepera’s full comment, per Chandler Rome:

“They’ve had a reputation of doing some sketchy stuff over there. We can say it’s a little bit of a difference. I think you saw the swings and misses tonight compared to the first two games at Minute Maid.”

Astros: Dusty Baker, Martin Maldonado clap back at Ryan Tepera

The Astros are using Tepera’s comment as bulletin board material, and responded in turn. Baker even had the stats at his advantage.

“Those are some heavy accusations. We’re about the same runs, OPS and everything — actually better on the road than we are at home. I think they’re actually better at home than on the road. I don’t have much response,” Baker said.

Dusty continued, and threw a damn haymaker Tepera’s way.

“He can say what he wants to say. I had never even heard his name before we played the White Sox. I’m not bothered by it. Most of my life, they’ve been talking stuff on me anyway. Let them talk.”

And, goodnight. Maldonado even fired out a tweet for good measure aimed squarely at the White Sox.

Come the postseason, teams will do whatever they can to gain a mental edge. The White Sox just handed it to the Astros on a platter.