No. 3 vs. 6 seed
The 2018 Astros had virtually the same components as 2019. Verlander, Cole, and Keuchel were a combined 43-24, Verlander striking out 290 and Cole 276. Charlie Morton added a 15-3 record.
At the plate, Bregman drove in 103 runs and Altuve batted .316.
The 1986 Astros suffered the same fate as the 1980 team, losing a sensational NLCS (to the Mets in six games). The last two of those games – both excruciating Astros losses — required a combined 28 innings to complete.
Third baseman Denny Walling and outfielder Kevin Bass were the consistent sticks with .312 and .311 averages. First baseman Glenn Davis supplied the muscle, producing 31 homers and 101 RBIs.
Ryan was 12-8, but the ace was Mike Scott. He produced an 18-10 record and 2.22 ERA in 37 starts, easily enough to secure the Cy Young Award. Bob Knepper was 17-12.
Game 1: The 2018 champions were 103-59, a .631 regular-season percentage. In 1986 the team had a 96-66, .593 regular-season record.
Game 2: The 2018 Astros put together a .500 post-season record that ended with a five-game ALCS loss to Boston. The 1986 Astros lost their NLCS in six games.
Game 3: The 1986 team was not a hitting powerhouse. Its OPS+ only reached 96 In 2018 the Astros had a 106 OPS+.
Game 4: Behind Verlander, Cole, and Keuchel, the 2018 Astros ran up a franchise-record 134 staff ERA+. At 114, the 1986 club was good, but not nearly that good.
Result: 2018 in four games