The Astros dropped the Mariners, 4-3, to qualify for the postseason, which Houston will start in the AL Wild Card Series against the team with the third-best wild-card record. Houston had a chance at a bye into the AL Division Series and needed the second-seeded Cleveland Guardians to lose their remaining games beginning Tuesday. But the AL Central champs defeated Cincinnati to deny the Astros.
Houston might not know its first playoff opponent until the final day of the regular season. The Kansas City Royals and the Detroit Tigers currently hold the second and third wild-card spots, but the Minnesota Twins, Seattle, the Boston Red Sox, and the Tampa Bay Rays are still in contention. Five games separate these teams.
The best-of-three AL Wild Card Series begins on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The Astros host all series games, including a winner-take-all third game, if necessary. The winner advances to the best-of-five AL Division Series against the Guardians, which begins Saturday, Oct. 5, in Cleveland.
SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Astros fail to clinch AL West crown on Monday but get 2nd chance on Tuesday
To wrap up the season, the Astros play their final home game on Wednesday afternoon against Seattle and three away matchups against Cleveland.
Eyewitness Sports is ready to bring you the celebration for the launch of Houston's path to a third World Series championship. Watch ABC13 throughout the fall to follow the 'Stros.
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