Astros Clinch AL West, Rays Push Phillies to Brink as MLB Regular Season Concludes

The Houston Astros secured the AL West title with a dominant 13-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics, powered by a five-homer performance and a three-run blast from Yordan Alvarez. This win, coupled with the Rangers' loss, ensures Houston the No. 3 seed in the American League playoffs. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays are on the verge of eliminating the Philadelphia Phillies from playoff contention after a resounding 12-1 win, fueled by 17 hits and a home run from Junior Caminero.

The regular season finale also saw other notable performances and outcomes. The Cleveland Guardians rested their starters in a loss to the Kansas City Royals, who were led by Vinnie Pasquantino's two home runs. The Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the San Francisco Giants with a go-ahead homer from Kiké Hernández, while the Detroit Tigers saw a walk-off home run from Eduardo Valencia on what was Justin Verlander's final home start. The New York Mets defeated the Washington Nationals 7-1, with Ronny Mauricio hitting two home runs and A.J. Ewing adding a crucial three-run drive, though Juan Soto exited the game with a hand injury.