\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"\"It's hard to win in this league in general,\" Astros manager AJ Hinch said. \"It's really hard to win in this league when everybody expects it and you have such a small margin for error when there's a reaction every time you don't win. To be at 100 and climbing is remarkable for this team, and we should be very proud.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-26T02:10:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2505196083/1537951483269/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"The Mariners rally and defeat the A's on Chris Herrmann's walk-off homer, allowing the Astros to clinch the American League West division","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:44","slug":"must-c-astros-clinch-on-a-s-l-c2505196083","tags":[{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-136","title":"HBmig Seattle Mariners","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-133","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 133","type":"unsupported"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/htz5wi1jslyuwbdpp63z"},"title":"Must C: Astros clinch on A's L","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/must-c-astros-clinch-on-a-s-l-c2505196083"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Houston will face Cleveland in the AL Division Series. The Astros took the season series from the Indians, 4-3, outscoring the Tribe, 45-29. • FAQs Astros face as they head to playoffs \"You look around the league and not too many people get to be a part of a postseason team and a 100-win season,\" Astros outfielder Josh Reddick said. \"Most of us in this locker room got back-to-back 100-win seasons, so it's a very big accomplishment for a lot of us in here as individuals and as a team. It's pretty special.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/25/2503721883/1537918826926/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"Alex Bregman scorches a two-run homer to left field, handing the Astros an instant 2-0 lead with his 31st big fly of the season","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:40","slug":"bregman-s-2-run-homer-c2503721883","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-int-yahoo","title":"HBmig INT Yahoo","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-partner-settop","title":"HBmig PARTNER_SETTOP","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-608324","title":"Alex Bregman","person":{"__ref":"Person:608324"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hou-moments","title":"H-Town Moments","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"home-run","title":"home run","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/pzquxr83vdz2yc2lchjq"},"title":"Bregman's 2-run homer","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/bregman-s-2-run-homer-c2503721883"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"The Astros won their franchise-record 54th road game of the season and improved to a Major League-best 18-4 in September. \"We have 100 wins and honestly have been banged up all year,\" Astros shortstop Alex Bregman said. \"We really haven't played our best baseball until lately. That's a good sign heading into the postseason. I like to be playing our best baseball at the end of the year. I think we did last year and won the World Series. I think we're in a good spot right now.\" Astros rookie right-hander Josh James held the Blue Jays to one run and four hits in five innings, and Bregman clubbed a two-run home run in the first inning -- his team-high 31st of the season -- to put Houston ahead, 2-0.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2504069783/1537925638037/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"Josh James retires Jonathan Davis on a ground ball to complete five effective innings of one-run ball against the Blue Jays","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:15","slug":"james-closes-5-strong-innings-c2504069783","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-657624","title":"Josh James","person":{"__ref":"Person:657624"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-top-50","title":"HBmig MLB Top Prospects","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"defense","title":"defense","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ebaerhii57ogjkcbdjyk"},"title":"James closes 5 strong innings","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/james-closes-5-strong-innings-c2504069783"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"The only run James allowed came on a solo homer to Billy McKinney in the third that cut the lead to 2-1, but the Astros loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth and pushed across two runs -- on a Tyler White single and sacrifice fly by Evan Gattis, that followed a misplay by Blue Jays center fielder Jonathan Davis on a Reddick pop fly.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2503975383/1537924960389/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"Josh Reddick reaches on an error to load the bases as Jonathan Davis collides with Billy McKinney in the outfield","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:54","slug":"reddick-reaches-on-error-c2503975383","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-502210","title":"Josh Reddick","person":{"__ref":"Person:502210"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/kbdplr8xuhfz2ohfuvhg"},"title":"Reddick reaches on error","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/reddick-reaches-on-error-c2503975383"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"For the second night in a row, Houston relievers covered four scoreless innings, with Thomas Pressly striking out Justin Smoak on three pitches to strand the bases loaded in the seventh.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2504197683/1537927193594/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"Ryan Pressly enters with two outs and fans Justin Smoak to strand the bases loaded and keep the Astros' lead at 4-1 in the 7th","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:16","slug":"pressly-k-s-smoak-to-end-7th-c2504197683","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-519151","title":"Ryan Pressly","person":{"__ref":"Person:519151"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/nwa1sgx75bmina4npa4s"},"title":"Pressly K's Smoak to end 7th","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/pressly-k-s-smoak-to-end-7th-c2504197683"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"\"We did just enough tonight to win,\" Hinch said. \"We got a big swing from Bregman that put us up and James did a good job of getting us to the middle of the game. Our bullpen -- Tony Sipp had a great inning, Pressly continues to come in and get a huge out and [Hector] Rondon has looked as good as he's looked in recent times and [Roberto] Osuna gets the save. It mapped out perfectly for us.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2504354583/1537928745442/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"Roberto Osuna retires Dwight Smith Jr. in the 9th to seal the Astros' 100th win of the season and notch his 20th save of 2018","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:42","slug":"osuna-seals-astros-100th-win-c2504354583","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-532077","title":"Roberto Osuna","person":{"__ref":"Person:532077"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/b9xi1ehsxddixqzb8kkp"},"title":"Osuna seals Astros' 100th win","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/osuna-seals-astros-100th-win-c2504354583"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"MOMENTS THAT MATTERED \nRondon retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning, which was a big development for the Astros. About four or five days ago, the Astros tinkered with the struggling reliever's mechanics to help him extend and get his pitches where he needed them. He had allowed 13 hits and nine runs in 4 1/3 innings in his last five outings. \"That was really good to see him clean his delivery up and be effective in the zone with some movement and get the ball on the ground against some left-handed hitters,\" Hinch said. \"That was a plus.\"","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2018-09-25T23:07:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/hls/2018/09/26/2504674083/1537936991559/master_wired_web.m3u8","type":"video","description":"AJ Hinch discusses Alex Bregman's home run, Josh James' start and Astros reaching 100 wins for the second season in a row","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:50","slug":"hinch-on-bregman-100th-win-c2504674083","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-mm-press-conference","title":"HBmig News Conference","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-117","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-141","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-134460","title":"AJ Hinch","person":{"__ref":"Person:134460"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-manager-postgame","title":"HBmig Any Questions","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/eb3ar5hdr9qooi2boqoj"},"title":"Hinch on Bregman, 100th win","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/hinch-on-bregman-100th-win-c2504674083"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"SOUND SMART \nThe Astros are only the fifth defending World Series champion to win at least 100 games in the divisional era, joining the 1971 Orioles, 1976 Reds, 1978 Yankees and 1990 A's. All four of those teams returned to the Fall Classic. The Reds and Yankees successfully defended their titles.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"HE SAID IT \n\"I love Pressly against anybody in the league right now.\" -- Hinch UP NEXT \nReliever Chris Devenski (2-2, 4.12 ERA) will get the start for the Astros in Wednesday's 3:07 p.m. CT series final against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Astros are expected to use relief pitchers throughout the game, including Lance McCullers in his first appearance since coming off the DL. Right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (2-4, 5.40) will start for the Blue Jays.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/astros-win-100th-game-earn-al-west-title-c296008268","contentType":"news","subHeadline":"James delivers 5 frames of 1-run ball as Bregman powers offense","summary":"TORONTO -- The champagne is on ice.The Astros reached 100 wins for the second year in a row, and third time in team history, and won their second consecutive American League West title after a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, coupled with the","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":"[Brian McTaggart](mailto:brian.mctaggart@mlb.com) has covered the Astros since 2004, and for MLB.com since 2009. Follow [@brianmctaggart](http://twitter.com/brianmctaggart) on Twitter.","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-608324","title":"Alex Bregman","person":{"__ref":"Person:608324"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-archive-element-news-mlb","title":"HBmig MLB News Archive ","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-657624","title":"Josh James","person":{"__ref":"Person:657624"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"GameTag","gamePk":531759,"slug":"gamepk-531759","title":"2018/09/25 hou@tor","type":"game"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-117","title":"Houston Astros","team":{"__ref":"Team:117"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-117","title":"HBmig 117","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/c7z0g8bxftksijfvpurl","title":"Astros win 100th game, earn AL West title"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"í•œêµì–´","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","id":117,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Person:608324":{"__typename":"Person","id":608324},"Person:657624":{"__typename":"Person","id":657624},"Person:502210":{"__typename":"Person","id":502210},"Person:519151":{"__typename":"Person","id":519151},"Person:532077":{"__typename":"Person","id":532077},"Person:134460":{"__typename":"Person","id":134460},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
Astros take AL West title with 100th win, A's loss
Astros take AL West title with 100th win, A's loss
James delivers 5 frames of 1-run ball as Bregman powers offense
September 26th, 2018
Brian McTaggart
TORONTO -- The champagne is on ice. The Astros reached 100 wins for the second year in a row, and third time in team history, and won their second consecutive American League West title after a 4-1 win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday night at Rogers Centre, coupled with the Athletics' 10-8 defeat to the Mariners. Houston will celebrate the division title following Wednesday's game in Toronto.
"It's hard to win in this league in general," Astros manager AJ Hinch said. "It's really hard to win in this league when everybody expects it and you have such a small margin for error when there's a reaction every time you don't win. To be at 100 and climbing is remarkable for this team, and we should be very proud."
Houston will face Cleveland in the AL Division Series. The Astros took the season series from the Indians, 4-3, outscoring the Tribe, 45-29. • FAQs Astros face as they head to playoffs "You look around the league and not too many people get to be a part of a postseason team and a 100-win season," Astros outfielder Josh Reddick said. "Most of us in this locker room got back-to-back 100-win seasons, so it's a very big accomplishment for a lot of us in here as individuals and as a team. It's pretty special."
The Astros won their franchise-record 54th road game of the season and improved to a Major League-best 18-4 in September. "We have 100 wins and honestly have been banged up all year," Astros shortstop Alex Bregman said. "We really haven't played our best baseball until lately. That's a good sign heading into the postseason. I like to be playing our best baseball at the end of the year. I think we did last year and won the World Series. I think we're in a good spot right now." Astros rookie right-hander Josh James held the Blue Jays to one run and four hits in five innings, and Bregman clubbed a two-run home run in the first inning -- his team-high 31st of the season -- to put Houston ahead, 2-0.
The only run James allowed came on a solo homer to Billy McKinney in the third that cut the lead to 2-1, but the Astros loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth and pushed across two runs -- on a Tyler White single and sacrifice fly by Evan Gattis, that followed a misplay by Blue Jays center fielder Jonathan Davis on a Reddick pop fly.
For the second night in a row, Houston relievers covered four scoreless innings, with Thomas Pressly striking out Justin Smoak on three pitches to strand the bases loaded in the seventh.
"We did just enough tonight to win," Hinch said. "We got a big swing from Bregman that put us up and James did a good job of getting us to the middle of the game. Our bullpen -- Tony Sipp had a great inning, Pressly continues to come in and get a huge out and [Hector] Rondon has looked as good as he's looked in recent times and [Roberto] Osuna gets the save. It mapped out perfectly for us."
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Rondon retired all three batters he faced in the eighth inning, which was a big development for the Astros. About four or five days ago, the Astros tinkered with the struggling reliever's mechanics to help him extend and get his pitches where he needed them. He had allowed 13 hits and nine runs in 4 1/3 innings in his last five outings. "That was really good to see him clean his delivery up and be effective in the zone with some movement and get the ball on the ground against some left-handed hitters," Hinch said. "That was a plus."
SOUND SMART
The Astros are only the fifth defending World Series champion to win at least 100 games in the divisional era, joining the 1971 Orioles, 1976 Reds, 1978 Yankees and 1990 A's. All four of those teams returned to the Fall Classic. The Reds and Yankees successfully defended their titles.
HE SAID IT
"I love Pressly against anybody in the league right now." -- Hinch UP NEXT
Reliever Chris Devenski (2-2, 4.12 ERA) will get the start for the Astros in Wednesday's 3:07 p.m. CT series final against the Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Astros are expected to use relief pitchers throughout the game, including Lance McCullers in his first appearance since coming off the DL. Right-hander Sean Reid-Foley (2-4, 5.40) will start for the Blue Jays.