"Hate us America", "We gotta win this WS" - Houston Astros fans convinced this is the year after team clinches sixth straight playoff appearance

Houston Astros v Detroit Tigers
Manager Dusty Baker celebrates with Yuli Gurriel after a 6-3 win over the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.

The Houston Astros have secured their spot in the playoffs for the sixth straight year. The 2017 champions are on a mission to make their fourth World Series appearance in six seasons. They are the second team to lock up a playoff spot alongside the LA Dodgers.

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The Astros dominated the American League West and have looked in control since Day 1. A 5-0 win against the division's last-placed Oakland Athletics was enough to claim their spot in the postseason. That result, combined with the Baltimore Orioles' 6-3 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, means the Astros are mathematically safe.

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The Houston Astros are cruising into the playoffs. Fans are excited about the team's potential. While many are still taking shots at the Astros for the sign-stealing scandal, Astros fans have remained resilient. They will continue to keep their eyes on the prize as they chase a second World Series in franchise history.

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Yordan Alvarez has been outstanding all season and did not disappoint on Friday. The Dominican slugger was 4-4 on the night with three runs and three RBI. More importantly, he finished with a miraculous three home runs on the night to guide his team to victory.

Astros fans believe Alvarez should be a candidate for the AL MVP, despite Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge's exemplary seasons.

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Two-time Cy Young Award winner and 2011 American League MVP Justin Verlander also played a big role in the victory. It took Verlander just 79 pitches to finish five shutout innings. He struck out nine batters and walked only one.

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Verlander has now lowered his ERA to a league-leading 1.78. It would be a career best for the veteran if he could finish the season with anything below a 2.40 ERA.

The Houston Astros are the second team to clinch a playoff spot alongside the LA Dodgers

Kyle Tucker celebrates a solo home run with Trey Mancini at Comerica Park.
Kyle Tucker celebrates a solo home run with Trey Mancini at Comerica Park.

The Houston Astros have a 95-50 record this season. They are the American League's best team and trail only the LA Dodgers (99-44). The Astros hold a commanding advantage in the AL West. They lead the Seattle Mariners by 14 games and hold a 31.5 game lead over the Texas Rangers.

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One advantage of making the playoffs this early is the ability to rest key players. The Astros do have plenty of depth and this could be a good opportunity for some of the younger players.

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The Houston Astros have remained one of the most consistent teams over the last decade. A sixth consecutive playoff appearance shows that they are doing something right. Although the sign-stealing scandal remains a stain on the club's history, fans are positive about the team's future.

If the Astros can continue their regular-season form, they look like clear favorites for the AL pennant.

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Edited by Rajdeep Barman
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