The Stros charged into the playoffs on Sunday afternoon with their 18th consecutive home victory by beating the Colorado Rockies 5-3 to win the National League WildCard playoff spot.
The win capped an incredible late season turnaround for the Stros, who were a season-worst 56-60 on Aug. 14. From that point on, the Stros won 36 out of their next 46 games, which included a 12 game winning streak. They then closed the season out in a tight race with the Giants and Cubs by winning nine out of their last 10 and their final seven straight. The Stros now go to Atlanta for Game One of the National League Division Series on Wednesday against the Braves, who have eliminated Houston three times in the past seven postseasons. The first playoff game in Houston will be next Saturday, October 9.
Brandon Backe filled in admirably on Sunday for the ailing Roger Clemens, who came down with a stomach virus last night and could not pitch today as expected. Backe — who slept in today thinking that Clemens was starting and thus, did not learn that he was starting until a couple of hours before game time — pitched five strong innings and drove in the Stros’ first two runs.
After closer Brad Lidge‘s final pitch in the ninth, the Stros ran out of the dugout to meet near the mound for hugs and high-fives while red and white confetti rained down on the fans from the Juice Box roof.
Assuming he recovers from his stomach virus, Clemens is scheduled to pitch game one of the division series against the Braves, with Roy O slated to start game two. I will break down the matchup between the Stros and the Braves in a post in the next day or so.