What Houston Astros Need to Do to Ensure Rangers Don't Win Division

The Houston Astros are now trailing in the Texas Rangers in the AL West and need to turn things around to ensure their division rivals don't win the division.

The Houston Astros had a prime opportunity to take control of the AL West division on Friday.

Their ace Framber Valdez was on the mound, facing the Kansas City Royals who have the second worst record in the MLB.

Valdez was lit up for four runs in the first inning and gave up six earned runs overall during the Astros 7-5 defeat.

They now trail the Texas Rangers in the division standings by a half game. It's the first time they haven't been in first place since Sept. 3 when they were down a game.

The Rangers are starting to play good baseball after struggling at points down the stretch. They've won four games in a row and six out of their last 10.

In all likelihood, the winner of the AL West will get a bye into the ALDS round and avoid a three-game Wild Card series.

So, what do the Astros need to do to ensure their rivals don't win the division?

Their starters have to play better.

They have constantly put the offense in holes at the beginning of games by giving up early runs. In many of these games, the lineup hasn't been able to overcome the deficit.

It's hard to win staring in a hole during the playoffs, let alone the regular season.

If they want to ensure that they win their third consecutive AL West division title, the pitching staff has to take their game to the next level. 

To close the year, Houston finishes their series against the Royals then hits the road to play the Seattle Mariners and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Texas plays the Mariners six times to finish and faces the Los Angels Angels in a road series.

Since the Astros don't play the Rangers, they can't directly impact the standings that way.

The only thing they can control is how they play.

It's time for Houston to go on a winning streak now and take the division.