The Astros’ ninth-inning disaster in Game 5 brought back painful memories for Houston fans. Since 1980, the year the Astros reached the postseason for the first time, Houston has lost seven of the 21 games in which they held the lead after seven innings—most for any major league team.

Most Losses, Games Leading After 7 Inn – Postseason Since 1980

Astros 7
Braves 6
Red Sox 5
Athletics 5
Yankees 5

The Astro's got over the hump with the win last night. This Saturday they meet the hard nosed White Sox. The White Sox pitchers also made some history in their series with the Angels.

In the Divisional Play era (since 1969), no starting rotation have pitched more of their team’s innings than have the White Sox in this series.

Most IP by SP in 1st 4 Games of a Postseason Series -- Since 1969

2005 ALCS White Sox vs. Angels 35.1
1979 ALCS Orioles vs. Angels 33.1
1981 NLDS Dodgers vs. Astros 33.0
1973 NLCS Mets vs. Reds 33.0
1972 ALCS Tigers vs. Athletics 32.1
1981 NLCS Expos vs. Dodgers 32.1
1992 WS Braves vs. Blue Jays 32.1

The last team whose starters pitched more innings in the first four games was the 1950 Yankees, whose starting pitchers worked 35.2 innings in their four-game sweep over the Whiz Kid Phillies.