Astros Win Fourth Consecutive AL West Title

The Houston Astros have clinched their fourth consecutive AL West title, overcoming a challenging start to the season where they fell 10 games behind the Seattle Mariners by mid-June. First-year manager Joe Espada played a crucial role in motivating the team, reminding them of their potential to turn things around. The Astros accomplished this feat with a 4-3 victory over the Mariners, marking their eighth consecutive playoff appearance. Despite battling injuries, the team rallied to a 79-53 record after initially struggling to a 7-19 start. This victory makes the Astros the first team since the Oakland Athletics (1971-75) to win the AL West for four straight seasons, and they have claimed seven division titles in the last eight seasons. With a strong postseason run anticipated, veteran players like Alex Bregman and Justin Verlander are optimistic about their chances.