The playoff dream is fighting for its life. Things are about to reach a climax in the AL West with The Texas Rangers and The Houston Astros battling it out for the division title. With the Angels and Athletics eliminated, The Seattle Mariners are hot on the top two teams’ tails. Which of these teams will catch up to, or possibly leave behind, The Toronto Blue Jays in the Wild Card?
The Astros are up against The Arizona Diamondbacks, who are fighting for their own Wild Card spot in the National League. With two days remaining, each team is clashing with all they have, determined to make it to October. While many supposed 2023 would be easy for the reigning World Series champs, the league has not made it easy. But maybe there is hope just yet.
Houston Astros’ Victory Over D-Backs Could Spell Trouble for Texas Rangers
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Unless The Mariners win each of their remaining games, all hope will be lost. But even winning doesn’t guarantee a postseason spot, because The Astros and The Rangers need to lose. The M’s are in the hardest spot because the Lone Star State currently leads its division. At 89-71, they definitely have the advantage.
But Houston’s recent win over Arizona brings the team that much closer to catching up to Texas. Additionally, with the Mariners against The Rangers, tensions are higher than ever. But Seattle just clinched a victory, making H-Town’s magic number just one. One more win for The Astros and one more loss for the Lone Stars will bring the former to the top.
In a chaotic three-team tie, the top three in the AL West are battling it out fiercely. If The Astros win the next two games, they would automatically go to the postseason as division leaders. If The Rangers lost the next two to The Mariners, they would clinch a Wild Card spot behind Seattle. But that would be an ideal scenario because a certain Canadian team is also out for blood.
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Can the Toronto Blue Jays Topple All AL West Dreams?
The Blue Jays have been quietly occupying the second spot in the AL Wild Card for the longest time. Up against The Tampa Bay Rays, who will be playing in October, the Blue Birds just won 11-4 and are staying ahead of Houston. With another win on Saturday, or if the M’s lose to Texas, they can clinch a playoff berth with surety.
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So what was thought to be a three-team battle in the AL West is four-way madness with an AL East club joining the fun. Without a 163rd tie-breaker game, things get a little complicated. But what’s certain is each team’s will to fight until the end.
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