HOUSTON – The Houston Astros clinched their fifth American League West title in the past six seasons with a 5-4 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. The Astros also earned a bye to the AL Division Series, where they will face the winner of the Wild Card Series between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays.
The Astros entered the day needing a win and a loss by the Texas Rangers to clinch the division. The Rangers lost to the Mariners, 1-0, earlier on Sunday, so the Astros’ win over the Angels was all they needed to secure the title.
The Astros were led by designated hitter Yordan Alvarez, who hit a two-run home run in the first inning. Alvarez’s home run gave the Astros a 3-0 lead, and they never looked back.
The Angels rallied in the bottom of the ninth inning, scoring three runs to cut the deficit to one run. However, the Astros were able to hold on for the win.
Astros closer Rafael Montero pitched the ninth inning and earned his 35th save of the season.
The Astros’ win over the Angels was their 90th of the season. The Astros finished the regular season with a 90-72 record, one game ahead of the Rangers.
The Astros are the No. 2 seed in the AL playoffs. They will open the AL Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, October 7.
Astros Celebrate Division Title
The Astros celebrated their division title in the clubhouse after the game. The players sprayed champagne and sang “We Are the Champions.”
“It’s never easy to win a division title,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “This team has worked hard all season, and they deserve this.”
Astros star player Alex Bregman said, “It’s a great feeling to win another division title. We’re excited to start the playoffs and go after a World Series championship.”
The Astros are one of the favorites to win the World Series this year. They have a deep and talented roster, led by Alvarez, Bregman, Yuli Gurriel, Kyle Tucker, and Justin Verlander.
The Astros will look to add to their championship hardware in the playoffs. They have won two World Series titles in the past six seasons, in 2017 and 2022.