The Houston Astros and the New York Mets looked dead in the water earlier in the 2024 Major League Baseball season. But after some inspired runs, they have suddenly looked like playoff contenders.
The Astros have won seven straight games and 26 of the last 41. They are now at 40-40, marking the first time this season they reached .500. In their latest victory, the Astros dominated the Colorado Rockies, 7-1. Houston scored the first six runs and never looked back. Jeremy Peña and Jose Altuve had two hits each, while Yainer Diaz had three out of four at-bats.
The @Astros have won 7 straight and 26 of their last 41.
— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2024
They are at .500 for the first time since this season. pic.twitter.com/3U7svuqU6l
Meanwhile, Spencer Arrighetti surrendered three hits and collected ten strikeouts in seven innings to secure the victory. Houston's latest win streak spans series victories against the Chicago White Sox and a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
Their last victory puts them just four games behind the Kansas City Royals for the final Wild Card spot in the American League playoffs. The Astros, aiming for their eighth consecutive postseason, are also 4.5 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the American League West lead.
On the other hand, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan tweeted that the Mets dominated the New York Yankees at Citi Field, 12-2. That victory puts them at 39-39, only 1.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the final National League Wild Card spot.
The Mets scored the first seven runs in the first five innings against their intra-city rivals. Francisco Alvarez had a perfect 3-for-3 with 3 RBIs, while Harrison Bader had two hits and two RBIs. Sean Manaea allowed two hits and no runs in five innings pitched.
With the 2024 MLB season halfway done, the Astros and the Mets make the playoff picture more interesting. Therefore, which team will finish the job and extend their campaign beyond 162 games?
-Lance Fernandez