Houston Astros’ Joe Espada Drops Honest Quote After Being Eliminated by White Sox

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HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Joe Espada #21 of the Houston Astros looks on during batting practice prior to game two of the American League Wild Card Series against the Chicago White Sox at Daikin Park on September 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)

The Chicago White Sox beat the Houston Astros in Games 1 and 2 of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park, eliminating the Astros from the playoffs.

The White Sox won 6-3 on Tuesday and 7-3 on Wednesday.

After Wednesday’s loss, Astros manager Joe Espada made an honest statement.

Houston Astros Manager Joe Espada Drops Honest Quote After Being Eliminated by Chicago White Sox

“They executed very well,” Espada said. “We couldn’t really get our bats going.”

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“They executed very well. We couldn’t really get our bats going.” Astros manager Joe Espada speaks to the media after the series-ending Game 2 loss in Houston. 📺 MLB Network

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8:42 pm · 30 Sep 2026

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The Astros finished the season with an 81-81 record, the worst of all postseason teams.

They made the playoffs simply because the American League West didn’t have much competition.

White Sox Beat Astros 7-3 in Wild Card Game 2

The White Sox scored four runs in the first inning of Wild Card Game 2 against the Astros.

Kyle Teel got the scoring started with an RBI single. Andrew Benintendi followed with a two-run single.

Tristan Peters also hit an RBI single in the first inning, making the score 4-0.

Jeremy Peña hit a solo home run in the bottom of the first to give Houston its first run of the game.

Cam Smith hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Jose Altuve lowered the Astros’ deficit to one run with a solo home run in the fourth inning.

Chase Meidroth hut a huge three-run home run in the sixth inning, increasing Chicago’s lead to 7-3.

Sean Burke made the start for the White Sox. He allowed three runs with eight strikeouts over four innings.

Hunter Brown made the start for Houston. He allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and a walk in 2/3 of an inning before being pulled.

The White Sox will play the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series.