Magic Number: Astros 1 Game Away from AL West Title

The Astros are now one game away from claiming their fourth AL West title in five years.

The Houston Astros magic number is now one thanks to last nights amazing comeback over the Tampa Bay Rays and the Seattle Mariners winning again. The Astros can clinch the AL West title on Wednesday night with a win or a Mariners’ loss.

Last night, down 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth, the Astros’ chances at a win seemed bleak. Alex Bregman then started the comeback hammering a first-pitch 94 MPH sinker over the left center wall, bringing the Astros within a run.

Not to be outdone, Jose Altuve crushed an 0-1 84 MPH slider off of the left field billboards hanging above the Crawford boxes, tying the game up at 2-2. This also tied his career high for home runs in a season (31).

The Rays tried to snatch a victory from the Astros in the top of the ninth with a solo home run by Randy Arozarena putting them up 3-2. Phil Maton escaped any further damage in the ninth, giving the Astros a chance at victory.

The bottom of the ninth was not without drama as Yordan Alvarez started the rally with a lead off single and was then pinch-ran for by Siri. Carlos Correa moved Siri over to second base and was called out on a ball to second base, but after a review, he was deemed safe and built on the rally Alvarez started.

Kyle Tucker did his job moving runners over to second and third with one out and with great situational hitting. The Rays subsequently walked Aledmys Diaz to load the bases.

With the bases loaded the Astros’ fate was left in the hands of the eight and nine-hole hitters. Chas McCormick battled Rays’ reliever J.T. Chargois through 10 pitches eventually earning a walk and the game-tying RBI.

Jason Castro then pinch-hit for Martin Maldonado and similarly battled tough pitches and after an eight-pitch at-bat, earned the game winning RBI via walk. Not the dramatic game-winning hit we love to see time, but a two home run night with a two-run ninth inning was an amazing way to start the series and bring their win total up to 92.

With one win away from another AL West title, the Astros return to action on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. Luis Garcia hits the bump against right-hander Drew Rasmussen.