# Astros Lose AL Wild Card Game 1

> Astros lose AL Wild Card Game 1 as bullpen game fails to stop White Sox.
- Title: Astros Lose AL Wild Card Game 1 · Mlb | Shortify
- Summary: Astros lose AL Wild Card Game 1 as bullpen game fails to stop White Sox. Astros lose AL Wild Card Game 1 to White Sox, forcing Hunter Brown to pitch Game 2…
- Keywords: astros, white sox, al wild card series, houston, hunter brown, playoffs, mlb, sports, Lose, Wild, Card, Game
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/astros-lose-al-wild-card-game-1-2026
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: astros, white sox, al wild card series, houston, hunter brown, playoffs, mlb, sports
## Astros lose AL Wild Card Game 1
Houston lost to the White Sox 6-3 in Game 1 of the AL Wild Card Series after a bullpen game.
## Bullpen game strategy
Houston used eight pitchers in Game 1, including AJ Blubaugh and Bryan King, who gave up three runs.
## Yordan Alvarez reaction
Alvarez said the Astros will hold their heads up and extend the series to Thursday.

> It’s already in the past, I think tomorrow we’re going to hold our heads up and try to extend the series to play Thursday.
## Hunter Brown's role
Brown gets four days of rest to pitch Game 2 and keep the Astros' season alive.
## White Sox lineup strength
The White Sox have a strong lineup with power throughout the order, making them tough to face.

> I know that they're a really good lineup, they got a lot of power throughout the order.
## Astros' playoff record
Houston has lost eight straight in the playoffs at home since Game 1 of the 2023 AL Division Series.
## Game 2 strategy
Houston has lefty Bennett Sousa, setup man Bryan Abreu, and closer Josh Hader available for Game 2.
## Key takeaway

Astros lose AL Wild Card Game 1 to White Sox, forcing Hunter Brown to pitch Game 2 to keep season alive.