The Houston Astros will have a chance to defend their World Series title after clinching a playoff berth with an 11-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
After winning the franchise's first championship in 2017, the Astros have shown no signs of a hangover this season. At 96-57, they are on pace to post their second consecutive year with at least 100 wins, which would make them the first team since the 2004-05 St. Louis Cardinals to accomplish that feat.
This team's formula for success has been different than last year's group.