Astros’ historic streak ends without a bang: What we learned in MLB wild-card Game 2s. The Astros and Orioles, two of the most skilled teams in Major League Baseball this season, faced an unexpected turn of events as they both suffered sweeps at home just two games into the postseason.
Wednesday brought a fresh wave of surprises in the wild-card round.
Astros’ rebuilt bullpen collapses in shocking fashion
At Minute Maid Park, one team showcased composure, delivering crucial hits and outs when it mattered most.
However, it was not the team expected to thrive under pressure.
The Detroit Tigers, who had not made a playoff appearance in a decade, entered August with a less than 1% chance of postseason play after selling off key players. With an average lineup age just over 25, only one player, Matt Vierling, had any postseason experience.
Surprisingly, it was this youthful squad that appeared relaxed during the game’s most intense moments. After the Tigers stunned the Astros by taking Game 1 in Houston, the pressure shifted entirely to the home team. When the Astros finally found their rhythm in Game 2, scoring the go-ahead run in the seventh inning, it was the inexperienced Tigers who seemed unfazed.
Historically, the Astros had a remarkable streak of 47 consecutive playoff victories when leading in the eighth inning or later. This year, they relied on a bullpen designed to secure late leads, featuring star closer Josh Hader, who signed a five-year, $95 million contract. With Ryan Pressly also in the mix, the Astros had a formidable closing duo. Despite early struggles, both Hader and Pressly managed to stabilize their performance as the season progressed, although neither was flawless. Pressly faced challenges in August, while Hader allowed six runs in his last three regular-season outings. Nevertheless, expectations for the late innings were high as October approached. Hader had not allowed a run in his last five postseason appearances with San Diego, and Pressly entered Game 2 boasting a streak of 20 consecutive postseason appearances without giving up an earned run.
On Wednesday, however, past achievements and experience proved irrelevant.
Pressly allowed the game-tying run due to a wild pitch, while Andy Ibañez, who had only six extra-base hits against fastballs all season, delivered the decisive blow off Hader’s sinker, showcasing the unpredictability of baseball.
