Houston pounded the Mariners 7-1 on Sunday, the win earning the Astros the AL West flag. Marwin Gonzalez, playing for a resting Jose Altuve, continued the excellent hitting by Astros second basemen with a double and a home run. Justin Verlander continued to show why the Astros wanted him as he limits Seattle to three hits and one run, walking one and striking out 10. He is 3-0 in three starts with the Astros and allowed two runs in 21 innings.

The Astros did this season what they could not do in 2015, so the stamina to stay on top. They are going to be very tough in the playoffs as their youngsters have matured into a great offense and a good pitching staff.