The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.
Houston Astros players celebrate in the clubhouse after clinching the American League West title with a win over the Tampa Bay Rays during a baseball game Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. – The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
“This is the start of it,” manager Dusty Baker said. “You've got to get to this point first, and then you get to the next point and the next point and the next point. You've just got to appreciate where we are right now, and get back to work tomorrow.”“Even though we expected to be here, it’s never something I take for granted,” pitcher Justin Verlander said.
Tampa Bay is in position for the second of three AL wild card berths, one game behind Toronto and a half-game ahead of Seattle .José Ramírez had three of the Rays' five hits.