Official MLB awards announcement

Astros Erase 10-Game Deficit to Take AL West Lead for First Time in 2024

Jul 20, 2024, 01:26 PM

The Houston Astros have taken sole possession of first place in the AL West for the first time in 2024, following a 4-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners. The Astros, who were 10 games behind the Mariners as recently as June 18th, have climbed to the top of the division after a remarkable turnaround. Jake Meyers hit a go-ahead two-run homer off Ryne Stanek in the seventh inning, while Framber Valdez secured the win with strong pitching. The Astros also received homers from Meyers and Diaz, and tremendous catches from Cabbage and Loperfido. The Mariners, who had held first place alone since May 12th, lost their 10-game lead in just 24 games, marking the shortest span to lose such a lead in the divisional era. Astros manager Joe Espada praised his team for their resilience, stating, 'They never stopped fighting, they never stopped believing, and this is far from over.' The Astros now lead the Mariners by one game and are six games ahead of the Texas Rangers, with a record of 52-46.