ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Houston Astros clinched their fifth AL West title in six years, getting a leadoff home run from Jose Altuve in a 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night.
Headed to the postseason for the sixth straight season, Houston won for the eighth time in nine games and improved the AL's best record to 97-51. A major league-best 16-4 (.800) in its last 20 games, the Astros are now assured of a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Luis Garcia (13-8) won his fifth straight decision, giving up two hits and four walks in five innings while striking out four.