Athletics Closing in on Astros in American League West Race

The Houston Astros were the consensus pick to win the American League West this season, but the defending World Series champions are getting a run for their money from both the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. The Athletics hosted the Astros for three games over the July 17th-19th weekend, with first place in the A.L. West up for grabs; Houston had a two game lead over Oakland going into the July 17th game.

Oakland won the first two games by scores of 4-3 and 7-1 to pull into a tie with Houston for first place. The Astros salvaged the series finale with a 9-4 win aided by five home runs. Justin Verlander picked up his 12th win of the season, and 200th of his career.

So the Astros (75-49) left town with a one game lead over the Athletics (74-50) in the West. Oakland has won 13 of 17, and we’re at the point of the season where a lot of clubs that play well early on fade out. The Athletics have not and are very much in the post season picture. The Mariners (71-54), 4 1/2 games back, should not be counted out either. Houston has had some key injuries lately, which haven’t helped. George Springer returned to the active roster on the 17th after going on the disabled list August 6th with a thumb injury, while last year’s MVP, Jose Altuve, out since July 26th with a knee injury, has been cleared for a minor league rehab stint.

The Astros are just 33-29 at home, while they are a very good 42-20 on the road. Houston will play three at Seattle August 20th-22nd, and will host the Mariners for three September 17th-19th. The Astros and Athletics have just three games remaining against each other on August 27-29th in Houston.