The Houston Astros are officially headed for the postseason once again. Although it took longer than Houston had hoped, the Astros finally clinched the AL West division with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. It is the franchise’s fifth consecutive postseason appearance and fourth AL West title over that span. Overall, it is their sixth postseason appearance in the last seven seasons.
The way in which the Astros’ postseason-clinching game against the Rays went was very fitting. After hitting so many clutch home runs in his time with Houston, Carlos Correa hit yet another one on Friday. His three-run shot in the fourth inning was the only offense that was necessary. The homer was Correa’s career-high 25th of the season. Meanwhile, Lance McCullers Jr. put another great start together in a big game, going six innings and giving up only two runs. After setting career-highs in virtually every statistic, McCullers has seemingly turned into the ace the Astros wanted him to be. Finally, the bullpen shutout the Rays, led by Ryan Pressly’s 26th save of the year.
Clinching this postseason berth is especially sweet for Houston because of its’ significance for Dusty Baker and his career. The Astros winning this AL West title means that Baker has now led five different teams to a division crown. It also means Baker gets another chance at a World Series title, something that has eluded him in over 20 years as a manager. There are many around the game that believe Baker is a Hall of Fame manager already, but a World Series Championship would almost certainly cement his spot in Cooperstown.
Up Next
Before Houston can talk about a World Series though, they must get through the ALDS first. The Astros will be facing the Chicago White Sox beginning Thursday, October 7th. Home field advantage has yet to be determined, however Houston has a two game lead over the White Sox in the standings and holds the tiebreaker. This means that the Astros must win at least one of its three remaining games to clinch home field. The Astros would also clinch home field if the White Sox lose any of their remaining games.
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
Players/Managers Mentioned:
Carlos Correa, Lance McCullers Jr., Ryan Pressly, Dusty Baker
