The Houston Astros are back in familiar territory. The Astros clinched the AL West division over the Texas Rangers with an 8-1 demolition of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Adding to the thrill, they were crowned division champions on the final day of the regular season.
Both teams have already booked their spots in the playoffs; however, this sets the stage for potential high-stakes encounters ahead.
The Astros were celebrating as they approached the final inning with an immense lead.
However, the atmosphere on the internet was decidedly less jubilant. MLB fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment. Many fans still hold a grudge due to the cheating scandal from 2017.
The team's on-field performance has allowed them to win a spot in the postseason, but it's clear that they're finding it hard to win over the public.
A fan also noted that Fangraphs had given the Astros just a 5.8% chance of taking the division merely five days prior. It was as if the Astros defied the gods of probability.
What lies ahead for the AL West Champion, Houston Astros?
The Texas Rangers, who were top contenders for the AL West, failed to seize their opportunity. They were defeated by the Seattle Mariners, failing to score even a single run.
In the upcoming ALDS, the Astros will prepare to face either the Twins or the Blue Jays.
The Houston Astros are now gearing up for the playoffs with their newly won AL West title. They appear poised for a strong postseason run that could last well into October. However, the sentiment among MLB fans outside of Houston is decidedly less enthusiastic about the Astros' prospects.