MLBSep 30
Astros face boos and empty seats in wild-card opening loss
Houston players voiced frustration with the home crowd after a 6-3 defeat to Chicago at Daikin Park.
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
A subdued postseason welcome
The Astros’ return to the postseason brought a disappointing result and a strained atmosphere Tuesday, as Houston lost its wild-card opener 6-3 to the White Sox before a noticeably incomplete crowd at Daikin Park. Announced attendance was 34,011 at a stadium with a capacity of 40,963. Empty seats were particularly visible in the upper deck when AJ Blubaugh threw the opening pitch at 4:10 p.m., though gaps also remained in the more heavily occupied lower levels. The fans’ frustration became audible early. Houston fell behind 3-0, drawing boos during the opening and second innings.
Players wanted support
First baseman Christian Walker expressed frustration with the reaction, saying the Astros needed encouragement and energy from their home crowd rather than criticism. He emphasized that players shared the fans’ disappointment and had worked throughout the season to earn their postseason opportunity. Reliever Bennett Sousa also heard boos after bouncing a pair of breaking pitches in the seventh inning. He stressed the team’s effort to bring playoff baseball back to Houston and its desire for support.
An unusual path back
Houston reached the playoffs after an injury-plagued 81-81 season, becoming the first team to qualify without a winning record in a non-shortened season. The Astros also became baseball’s first division champion with a record of.500 or worse. The club averaged 30,519 spectators during the regular season, ranking 14th in the majors. Afternoon wild-card games have presented attendance challenges elsewhere, but the empty seats were an unusual postseason sight in Houston. After missing the playoffs last year, the Astros are making their ninth appearance in 10 years.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
