Updated
Updated · ESPN · Sep 30
Espada Urges Astros to Move On After 6-3 Wild Card Loss Draws Boos From 34,011
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Sep 30

Espada Urges Astros to Move On After 6-3 Wild Card Loss Draws Boos From 34,011

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Sep 30

Summary

  • Joe Espada told Astros players to put fan frustration aside before Game 2 after Tuesday’s 6-3 home loss to the White Sox triggered audible boos by the second inning.
  • 34,011 fans were announced for Game 1 — well short of a sellout — and several players complained about both the small crowd and the reaction as Houston fell behind 3-0.
  • Bennett Sousa said he was "pretty pissed off" by the boos, arguing the team had earned more support, while Espada said fans and players both had a right to show emotion.
  • Houston, which finished 81-81, is one loss from elimination in the best-of-three series and will turn to ace Hunter Brown in Game 2 to try to quiet the crowd.

Insights

Why did Houston open a must-win postseason with a bullpen game, and did that decision fuel the boos at Minute Maid Park?
Did Astros fans cross a line booing an 81-81 division winner, or was Game 1 proof Houston’s playoff standard has collapsed?
Can Hunter Brown save the Astros’ season, or are the White Sox exposing that Houston’s October mystique is gone?