Astros ALDS FTW
Here's what Houston fans need to know as the Astros level up for the playoffs this week
Cy Young fave Justin Verlander brings the heat Tuesday.
Playoff fever is in full effect, as the Houston Astros will open their sixth-consecutive American League Division Series Tuesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 13 at home against the Seattle Mariners.
Astros ace Justin Verlander, who boasts a totally ridic 1.75 ERA and is the clear favorite to win this year’s Cy Young Award after overcoming a serious injury, will pitch in Game 1 in a series that, as our sister site SportsMap points out, has some intriguing storylines.
Game times are 2:37 pm for both days at Minute Maid Park. Fans who are (wisely) taking the day off can get hyped up at a special Street Fest starting three hours before both home games. Those planning on attending are encouraged to sport their best orange Astros gear (or any orange) and must have a ticket. The event features live music, games, food trucks, inflatable fun for the kiddos, and more. Get more details on the street fest here.
No ticket? No worries: Standing room only tickets are available for both Game 1 and Game 2 and can be found online. The Astros remind fans that the only guarantee for 2022 postseason tickets is by purchasing 2023 Season Tickets; find those here.
At Game 1 (Tuesday) against the Mariners, all fans will receive an official Rally Towel. The Apollo Chamber Players will perform the beloved National Anthem for game one, while the Joint Forces Color Guard will present our colors. Astros Hall of Famer Jose Cruz (or, as longtime fans know him, “Jose Cruuuuuuuuuuuuuz”) will throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
As for Game 2 (Thursday), all fans in attendance will again receive a Rally Towel. Kaylise Irizarry will perform the National Anthem and the Houston Police Color Guard will present our colors. Astros 2022 Hall of Fame inductee Terry Puhl will those out a ceremonial first pitch. For some H-Town stank, Scarface and Willie D. of the legendary Houston rap group Geto Boys will announce the “Play Ball” call. (That alone might secure our victory.)
The fun continues Friday at Shipley Do-Nuts in the Heights (2723 Yale St.). The team will send fan fave Orbit along with the glam Shooting Stars to hand out prizes and one free team-themed “Stro-Nut.” Line up early; the event runs from 7:30 am- 9 am.
On Saturday, October 15 the Astros will host a watch party at Karbach Brewing Co. (2032 Karbach St.) as the team takes on the Mariners in Seattle for Game 3 of the ALDS. Though time is TBD, fans should plan to arrive at least an hour before first pitch.
Watch party action for Game 4 continues on Sunday, October 16 at Houston Dynamo legend Brian Ching’s Pitch 25 Beer Park, 2120 Walker St. in EaDo. Time is also TBD; arrive at least hour before first pitch — or earlier for Sunday Funday.
