Dynasty lost: Here's where the Houston Astros go from here

Dynasty lost: Here's where the Houston Astros go from here
The Astros won't be heading to the ALCS this year. Composite Getty Image.

Andy Ibáñez hit a tiebreaking three-run double in Detroit's four-run eighth inning, and the Tigers swept the Houston Astros with a 5-2 victory in Game 2 of their AL Wild Card Series on Wednesday.

Parker Meadows homered as Detroit ended Houston's run of seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series. It was a sweet moment for Tigers manager A.J. Hinch, who led Houston to a championship in 2017 and was fired in the aftermath of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal.

Where do the Astros go from here? Don't miss the video below as the crew from Stone Cold 'Stros reacts live to the series.

Next up for the wild-card Tigers is a trip to Cleveland to take on the AL Central champions in a best-of-five AL Division Series. Game 1 is on Saturday.

Kerry Carpenter sparked Detroit's eighth-inning rally with a one-out single off Ryan Pressly (0-1), who converted his first 14 postseason save opportunities. Carpenter advanced to third on a single by Matt Vierling and scored on a wild pitch, tying it at 2.

Pressly departed after Colt Keith reached on a two-out walk, and closer Josh Hader walked Spencer Torkelson to load the bases.

Hinch then sent Ibáñez up to hit for Zach McKinstry, and Ibáñez lined a 1-2 sinker into the corner in left for a 5-2 lead.

Vierling, Keith and Torkelson jumped around and high-fived in celebration after scoring on Ibáñez's clutch swing. Ibáñez raised his arms high above his head and smiled as he reached second.

Hader, who signed a $95 million, five-year contract with Houston in January, allowed three hits and walked two in 1 1/3 innings.

Detroit used seven different pitchers a day after pitching Triple Crown winner Tarik Skubal got the win in the series opener. Sean Guenther pitched 1 2/3 innings for the win in Game 2, and Will Vest handled the ninth for the save.

In the postseason for the first time since 2014, Detroit also got a solo home run from Meadows in the sixth to help the franchise to its first playoff series win since the 2013 ALDS.

Just making it to the playoffs seemed improbable before Detroit went 31-13 down the stretch in the regular season, helped along by the leadership of Hinch — who knows a little something about October success from his time with the Astros.

Eight of the first nine Wild Card Series since they began in 2002 have been sweeps. It’s the fourth sweep in postseason history for the Tigers, who previously swept the AL Championship Series in 1984, 2006 and 2012.

The Astros jumped in front in the seventh, but they lost their seventh straight postseason game at home. Houston's ALCS streak included four World Series appearances and two titles.

The AL West champions failed to get the big hits they relied on in the regular season, but manufactured a pair of runs with hustle plays in the seventh.

Mauricio Dubón hit a bunt single to load the bases with no outs. Pinch-hitter Jon Singleton hit a chopper that was fielded by first baseman Torkelson, who threw home from his knees. The throw was in front of the plate and not in time to beat Victor Caratini home.

Torkelson, who was given an error on the play, smacked the ground in disgust after Caratini touched home, tying it at 1.

Jose Altuve then hit a flyball that Vierling caught in foul territory in right, but his throw home wasn’t in time to beat the speedy Jeremy Peña.

Houston starter Hunter Brown had allowed just one hit on a double in the second when Meadows smacked his home run off the foul pole in right field to start the sixth.

Brown struck out nine in 5 1/3 innings in his eighth postseason game and first start.

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The Texans host the Bills this Sunday. Composite Getty Image.

Coming off a thrilling comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the Houston Texans prepare to host Josh Allen and the Bills this weekend.

On offense, the Texans could really use some contributions from players not named CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, and Stefon Diggs. Fortunately for the Texans, Tank Dell is expected to return from a chest injury this week, that kept him sidelined against the Jags.

Getting the tight ends and running backs involved in the passing game would also go a long way against a defense as stout as the Bills'.

Speaking of running backs, Houston may have to rely on Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbuwale again this week, as Joe Mixon and Damien Pierce still haven't returned to practice.

Another area the team will look to clean up for the third straight week is penalties. They are dead last in the NFL, having committed 40 penalties through just four games.

Another way the Texans can get the offense going is by being more effective on early downs. They are currently in the bottom five in success rate and EPA (expected points added) per play on early downs.

They are relying on Stroud and Collins to save the day way too often on 3rd and long.

Texans defense

The defense will have their hands full with superstar QB Josh Allen. If they play like they did last week against a QB of Allen's caliber, it's highly unlikely they come away with a win.

Corner Kamari Lassiter was beat several times over the top against the Jags, but fortunately for him, Trevor Lawrence wasn't able to connect, overthrowing his receivers multiple times.

Tight end Dalton Kincaid will present a challenge for this Texans defense as well. He's an athletic playmaker that Allen will look to target frequently. Especially if his top receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is unable to play.

X-factors

Outside of last week's loss to the Ravens, Buffalo has scored at least 31 points in every game. The Texans' offense will need to put some points on the board if they expect to win this week.

Stefon Diggs is once again playing against his former team. He'll want to perform well in what sets up to be a revenge game.

What does Vegas think?

The Bills are favored by a point, with the total sitting at 47.5 points.

There's so much more to get to, including our predictions for the game and much more. Be sure to watch the video above for the full preview of Bills vs. Texans!

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