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For the first time since 2005, the Houston Astros are out of the MLB playoffs.
Lost to the American League West champion Detroit Tigers, 5–2, in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series.
After having little growth on their offense for the second consecutive day, the Astros turned the game around with a short run in the seventh inning.
With the bases loaded and nobody out, pinch hitter John Singleton grounded out to first and Spencer Torkelson was unable to clean throw home, allowing Victor Caratini to score. Jeremy Pena then took advantage of Matt Vierling’s moment of slight hesitation while fielding a fly ball and tagged out from third to give Houston a 2–1 lead.
Minute Maid Park was rocking and some fans may be making their plans for Game 3 on Thursday. It didn’t take long for the good feelings to fade away.
Detroit tied it on Ryan Pressley’s wild pitch in the top of the eighth. Then with the bases loaded and two outs, Andy Ibañez hit a three-run double down the left-field line.
It was a surprising turn around for the Astros, who have been so balanced in the postseason during the past decade. That Josh Hader, Houston’s big offseason signing, allowed a significant hit was even more surprising or troubling, depending on your perspective.
Sean Guenther pitched a 1-2-3 eighth for the Tigers and Will West completed the save in the ninth. And just like that, Houston’s dynasty is about to end.
The Astros have taken on their fair share of opponents over the years, so the loss of Wednesday’s loss was obvious.
dylan delgatto ,DDelgattoNFL
AJ Hinch. The man who created and ended a dynasty.
Great run by the Astros. pic.twitter.com/6WBFBCyzGo
The Astros now face an uncertain future.
as much as houston challenged the skeptics Who said it’s no longer a contender, the long-term outlook of the franchise hasn’t changed that much. Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander are headed to free agency. Jose Altuve will turn 35 next May. Intrigue around the front office General manager Dana Brown could be at the forefront again as he considers what to do with Bregman and Verlander as well as an outside target.
There was a higher level of urgency for the Astros in this postseason than in years past. Losing in the ALCS to the defending World Series champions and then being swept in the Wild Card Series certainly matches the trajectory of a dynasty’s downfall.