For the first time ever, the Houston Astros and the Tampa Bay Rays will meet in the postseason. This matchup was made due to the Rays handily defeating the Oakland Athletics, 5-1, in the American League Wild Card, behind three HRs (two by Yandy Diaz). The Rays have the rare distinction of having won the regular season series over the Astros, going 4-3 against Houston this season. As for the Astros, well, the rise continues. The team is two years removed from their first World Championship, and though they failed to return to the Series last year, the Astros have not wavered. They added more depth to their rotation in the deadline by acquiring Zack Greinke, putting him with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. The bats continue to deliver; Alex Bregman, Jose Altuve, Michael Brantley, Yuli Gurriel, George Springer, the list goes on and on.
Fun facts: The Astros are looking to reach the World Series for the 2nd time in three years. Between 1962 (their first season) and 2016, they won only one pennant (2005). The question that many, especially Yankees fans, are asking: Can TB beat the Astros? This Yankees fan says they can, but I do not think they will. It'll be an interesting series, though.
Prediction: Astros in five
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