The Houston Astros are in free-fall. After 118 days in first place in the AL West vanish, they've seen their claim to the division crown vanish. Now their playoff hopes are next.
Losers of four straight going into Wednesday's matchup against the Athletics, the Astros turned to their ace to stop the bleeding. Instead, Brown didn't have it, surrendering six hits and four runs over five innings. A dominant, fire-breathing ace all season, Brown needed his offense to pick him up. As has often been the case this season, they did not.
Houston would fall by a score of 6-0, making for their fifth straight loss.