Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez expressed his outrage following a contentious 5-4 loss to the Houston Astros on Wednesday night, bringing a photographic exhibit to his postgame press conference to underscore his point.

The game's dramatic conclusion unfolded in the bottom of the ninth inning. With the bases loaded, Astros batter Jake Meyers hit a grounder to shortstop C.J. Abrams, who threw home for the second out. Catcher Keibert Ruiz attempted a double play, but his throw struck Meyers' helmet, deflecting the ball and allowing Jose Abreu to score the winning run.

Martinez vehemently disputed the final play with the umpires, arguing that Meyers had veered off the baseline. His frustration boiled over into the postgame interview, where he brandished a photo showing Meyers running on the grass en route to first base.

"Look at this," Martinez exclaimed, pointing to the image. "Does that look like he's on the line? I'm done with this play. They absolutely have to revise this rule. If the umpire thinks this constitutes running down the line, I've had enough. We lost the game, and the umpire had nothing to say because he couldn't make the correct call. It was atrocious."

Meyers defended his actions, claiming he ran within the baseline and that contact with first baseman Matt Chavis’ glove caused the deflection. "I think that’s what sent the ball off course," Meyers stated. "I’m not entirely certain, but I know we scored, and we won. That’s the important thing."

The Nationals had managed to tie the game in the top of the ninth before the controversial finish in the bottom half of the inning.