HOUSTON – Astros fans are ready for Game 2 of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on Friday after the Astros won the series opener.
The Astros hit it out of the park on Thursday in Game 1 of the AL Division Series and beat the Boston Red Sox 8-2.
Friday's game began at 1 p.m. at Minute Maid Park.
On Crawford Street outside the stadium, fans were ready for the game at the Postseason Street Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There were poster-making stations, live music, food trucks, inflatables, photo booths, bar games and many activities for all ages.
Country music star Neal McCoy sang the national anthem, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner threw the pitch at Game 2 and rapper Bun B called "play ball" before the Astros took the field.
The organization is already looking forward to Sunday and wanting fans to attend its watch party.
"We're really excited to be the official destination here at Minute Maid Park for the Astros' postseason watch parties," said Brianna Carbonell, senior manager of promotions and events for the Astros.
The watch party was free, but a voucher was required to enter. Anyone can come to the party two hours before for the first pitch on Sunday.
Sunday's game's first pitch was at 1:30 p.m. at Fenway Park.
There is no doubt, a lot of excitement about the series, especially from the Astros Shooting Stars, the dance team that cheers on the team.
"You know, starting out I think the in beginning we knew that we were a really strong team, and to see that come from the beginning of the season all the way to the end, we just have so many strong players, I don't think there's any question that we earned it," said Kendall Stelwagen, a member of the Astros Shooting Stars.
Stelwagen and 19 other women make up the dancing team, which also is a big cheer base for the Astros.
Stelwagen said they'll be giving ticket upgrades to fans and giving away postseason merchandise and other promotions. She, too, is excited about Altuve's performance on Thursday.
"I think that there's no question his MVP status at this point. He's continued to be strong this entire season, and he's only gotten better. If there was any question about it, yesterday was the day to prove it," Stelwagen said.
