FOX casually admits the Astros cheated and still lost Game 1

Houston Astros catcher Martin Maldonado used an illegal bat in Game 1 thanks to St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols. Technically, he cheated.

Were this any other team than the Houston Astros, surely we could gloss over Martin Maldonado’s error in what would eventually become a Phillies Game 1 victory. Yet, the Astros have a history of sketchy activity.

Houston will never live down its reputation as sign stealers, and in some sense cheaters, stemming from its 2017 World Series title. Even though only five players remain from that team, Maldonado’s actions on Friday night won’t help matters.

Maldonado’s ‘cheating’ was entirely unintentional. As the worst hitter in Houston’s lineup, Maldonado turned to his good friend and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols for some inspiration. Pujols, rather than words of wisdom, sent Maldonado a bat.

The only problem? That bat is technically illegal, as FOX oh so casually mentioned on the broadcast at the beginning of Game 2.

Astros: Martin Maldonado cheated during Game 1

As the broadcast said, Martin Maldonado’s bat was technically illegal for him to use. Albert Pujols was not forbidden from using that bat, as he was grandfathered in from pre-2010.

Maldonado did pick up an RBI in Game 1, contributing one of Houston’s five runs. This wasn’t the only sketchy act from Houston in the contest, as Aledmys Diaz tried to earn a hit by pitch the easy way, leaning over the plate on what some think would’ve been a strike from David Robertson.

Pujols finished up his own career in the 700 home run club. That bat, surely, brings with it some special power. Unfortunately for Maldonado, he’s not allowed to use it.

Phillies fans rightly pointed out the absurdity of the situation at hand. Thankfully, MLB acted prior to Game 2, rather than after the series as a whole. The last thing we need is another scandal in baseball.