After last nights win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Houston Astros secured a chance to enter the playoffs.
Before an impressive 21 – 5 win against Arizona, the Astros had the chance to secure the final AL Wild Card spot Saturday night. It was all up to the Texas Ranger to win against the LA Angels early that day. The halos rallied in the final innings to stay alive in the wild card race with the final of 11 – 10. But the Astros came out with a solid win that night as well against the Diamondbacks, 6 – 2.
Things aren’t all bad for Houston, as their win gives them a fighting chance to enter the post season. For the Rangers, their playoff birth is set but for the Angels its win or go home. It all comes down to this Sunday as these teams fight for a chance at the playoffs.
It still holds true; “You cant script October.”
Take a look at the possible playoff scenarios in the American League:
Astros Clinch Final Wild Card Spot, Angels Out, Rangers Claim AL West Title
LA Angels (L) (85 – 77) @ Texas Rangers (W) (88 – 74)
Houston Astros (W) (87 – 75) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (L) (78 – 84)
If the Rangers beat the Angels, this secures the final AL Wild Card spot for the Astros. The loss will eliminate the halos from entering the postseason. Its a shame to let a MVP season by Mike Trout go to waste, but thats how it goes in October.
Astros STILL Clinch Final Wild Card Spot, Angels Out, Rangers Claim AL West Title
LA Angels (L) (85 – 77) @ Texas Rangers (W) (88 – 74)
Houston Astros (L) (86 – 76) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (L) (78 – 84)
The Angels playoff hopes is up to them winning and the Astros losing. Plain and simple.
Tie Breaker, Rangers Claim AL West Title
LA Angels (W) (86 – 76) @ Texas Ranger (L) (87 – 75)
Houston Astros (L) (86 – 76) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (W) (79 – 83)
An Angels win and an Astros loss will lead to a tie breaker scenario. This will give the Rangers the AL West title and it givies LA a game for the final wild card spot on Monday against the Astros.
Angels Out, Astros get AL Wild Card Spot /Tie Breaker with Rangers for AL West Title
LA Angels (W) (86 – 76) @ Texas Rangers (L) (87 – 75)
Houston Astros (W) (87 – 75) @ Arizona Diamondbacks (L) (78 – 84)
In this scenario we see the Rangers taking a loss, while the Astros get the win. This will cause a tie breaker game against the Rangers for the AL West Title on Monday. If the Astros win they will claim the AL West title and face the Toronto Blue Jays. The Rangers will then face the New York Yankees in the AL Wild Card game. If the Astros lose the match up will then be the Rangers against Toronto and a wild card game with the Astros and Yankees.
It might be football Sunday, but all eyes are on baseball as the fate of three teams are on the balance.
