Jason Heyward’s pivotal two-run homer will be remembered as a defining moment for the Houston Astros as they clinched another American League West Division title with a 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners. His blast off the right-center field wall was key in the Astros’ win on Tuesday night.
Framber Valdez pitched 5 2/3 innings for the win, with Bryan Abreu, Ryan Pressly, and offseason acquisition Josh Hader closing out the game. Hader, brought in to secure the final outs, lived up to expectations, shutting down Seattle’s hitters to secure the title.
Jason Heyward continues to come up huge for the @Astros 😤 pic.twitter.com/iTVdUqUmDV
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2024
Heyward also made a critical defensive play, chasing down a fly ball from Cal Raleigh in the fifth inning, crashing into the manual scoreboard but holding onto the catch. Though teammates and trainers checked on him, he stayed in the game, ultimately contributing both offensively and defensively.
Valdez (15-7) allowed three runs on eight hits for the win, while Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker also homered for the Astros. Heyward has been filling in for Yordan Alvarez, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and Alvarez may miss the remainder of the regular season.
Hader’s strikeout of Julio Rodriguez sealed the Astros’ fourth consecutive division title and their eighth straight postseason appearance. “Everyone here knows how to win,” Bregman said, celebrating another successful season.
This accomplishment is even more remarkable given the Astros’ early struggles, starting the season 10-24 under first-year manager Joe Espada. Injuries and roster moves, including the release of Jose Abreu, added challenges. However, a team meeting after a series sweep in Mexico City helped turn the season around.
Four straight AL West titles for the Houston @Astros 👏
(MLB x @BudweiserUSA) pic.twitter.com/qYqyFy3079
— MLB (@MLB) September 25, 2024
The Astros, 10 games behind the Mariners in mid-June, rallied back, with players like Spencer Arrighetti and Hunter Brown stepping up as starters. Key acquisitions, such as Yusei Kikuchi, and the return of Kyle Tucker from a shin fracture, further fueled the comeback. First baseman Jon Singleton, who replaced Abreu, also made an impact.
Now, with the division secured, the Astros have time to rest before finishing the season against the Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians. Despite critics, the Astros continue to succeed, embodying the mantra of legendary Raiders owner Al Davis: “Just win, baby.”
