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Astros grab share of wild-card berth with win over D-Backs

Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Astros are one step closer to returning to the postseason for the first time since 2005.

Colby Rasmus hit a pair of homers and Collin McHugh tossed seven solid innings as the Astros prevailed 6-2 over the Arizona Diamondbacks to grab at least a share of an American League wild-card berth.

"We took care of our business, which is all we could ask for in game 161," manager A.J. Hinch said postgame. "Proud of our guys, they did a really good job of being focused. ... It certainly puts a lot of pressure on the teams around us."

Houston moves a full game ahead of the Los Angeles Angels for the second wild-card spot with the victory, which guarantees the Astros at least a tie and a 163rd game on Monday. They also still have a shot at catching the Texas Rangers in the AL West, or jumping the New York Yankees for the top wild-card position Sunday.

Rasmus launched solo shots in the fourth and eighth innings en route to a 3-for-4 day hitting out of the cleanup spot. Jose Altuve also went deep for the Astros, who now have a magic number of one to clinch a playoff berth.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

McHugh picked up his 19th win of the campaign, allowing one run on six hits while striking out six.

Hinch announced 22-year-old Lance McCullers will get the ball for the regular-season finale Sunday.

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