October 1, 2023

Houston Astros win AL West as Rangers fall to Mariners

PHOENIX — In the midst of their seventh inning Sunday, the Astros’ path to an AL West title materialized.

Up in Seattle, the Mariners closed out a 1-0 win over the Rangers. It ensured the Astros, with a win over Arizona, could catch Texas atop the West and exercise their regular-season tiebreaker over the Rangers to win the division. Holding an eight-run lead, Houston had to notch just nine more outs.

Doing so ignited a celebration the Astros waited 24 hours to fully enjoy. With an 8-1 win on the regular season’s last day, the Astros reclaimed a distinction that has become almost routine. They are AL West champions for the sixth time in seven years.