Astros' historic comeback falls short in ALCS Game 7

SAN DIEGO, California (KTRK) -- The Houston Astros' unlikely deep run in the postseason has ended with a Game 7 loss, 4-2, against the Tampa Bay Rays.

They were held without a run for most of the game, but they didn't go down without a fight.

In the 8th inning of Game 7, Carlos Correa hit an RBI single to plate Houston's only two runs of the game.

But before that, Houston couldn't break through former Astros pitcher Charlie Morton, who gave up only two hits through 5.2 innings.

Morton's former teammate, Houston's Game 7 starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., was rocked for a two-run home run in the 1st inning and then a solo homer in the 2nd inning.

Despite the home runs, McCullers threw more strikeouts than Morton, 7 to 6.

The Astros forcing Game 7 wasn't even a consideration when the team was down 0-3 and on the brink of elimination in Game 4.

But they became just the second team in MLB history to force a Game 7 in a seven-game series after being down three games.

The 2004 Boston Red Sox remain the only team in the majors to finish off an 0-3 comeback with a series win.

So, what's ahead for the Astros?

They will have to make free agency decisions on all three of their starting outfielders: Josh Reddick, Michael Brantley and George Springer. Springer is likely to find a new home next year.

Houston could also have to wait for pitching ace Justin Verlander to heal, regardless of when the 2021 season starts. He came off of Tommy John surgery, which could take up to two years to comeback from.

But, in brighter news, manager Dusty Baker may be comforted by his stable of pitchers, many of whom made their MLB debut this year.