Joe West has a history of helping the Red Sox in the playoffs. The veteran umpire was the crew chief for Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, when he reversed two calls to help the Red Sox to a 4-2 victory over the New York Yankees.
On Saturday night, West again gave Boston a boost in an ALCS matchup. The Houston Astros were leading 3-2 in the top of the eighth inning when center fielder Jake Marisnick attempted to steal second base. Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez tried to find Brock Holt with his throw from behind the plate, but instead drilled the second base umpire — West — in the shoulder.