The Houston Astros have an 18-4 record since they lost two games in a row to fall into a tie for first place on August 18th. During that stretch, the Astros have scored 125 runs while allowing only 78 runs. After dropping to 25 games above .500, they now sit at a season-high 38 games above .500. With the Athletics record of 15-8 during that stretch, they have managed to stay 3.5 games behind the Astros.
With 16 games remaining for the Astros, their magic number to clinch the AL West is 13 after the Athletics lost last night.