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All day Monday, Houston Astros fans were concerned about a rumor that Texas Senator Ted Cruz was going to attend Game 7 of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros had won six out of their 9 playoff game this year heading into Game 7 so they had been playing well heading into the series-deciding game.
Unfortunately, all four of the team’s losses in the playoffs had come with Cruz in attendance.
Ted Cruz went to Game 2 of the American League Division Series game versus the Minnesota Twins. Houston lost 6-2.
He attended Game 1 of the American League Championship Series against the Texas Rangers. Houston lost 2-0.
Cruz also went to Game 6 of the ALCS. The Astros lost 9-2.
So any Houston Astros fan with a superstitious bent was more than a little concerned when they learned he would be at Game 7.
“No one calls them the ‘Astros.’ Go Stros. Senator Cruz has a legendary record supporting the Stros in their biggest victories, including when he cheered the Stros on to victory on June 3, 1989, which was one of the longest baseball games in history,” a spokesperson wrote to Rolling Stone when asked if he would be at the game.
“But go ahead, write a hit piece on Senator Cruz spending time with his young daughter cheering on their hometown heroes.”
Ted Cruz even posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) himself, claiming he isn’t a jinx.
Lying hacks @RollingStone:
For 7 years, Catherine & I have attended nearly EVERY Astros home playoff game.
If they’re going to blame me for our recent home losses, pls also credit us for TWO World Series Championships & SEVEN consecutive ALCS’s—we were there cheering Stros on! https://t.co/fkk992f1am
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) October 23, 2023
They didn’t have to write one. The fans took care of that for them, both before and after the Astros got destroyed by the Texas Rangers 11-4 Monday night.
“And you were courtside during the Rockets playoffs when they couldn’t hit a 3. #houstonsportsjinx,” a fan replied to Cruz.
“All I ask for is for Ted Cruz, the King of Jinxers, to not attend Game 7 of the #ALCS, so the Astros can have a good chance at victory,” one Astros fan begged.
Astros fans begged Ted Cruz not to curse the team by going to the game. He went anyway. A brief update … https://t.co/Y4dx8QU5K7
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 24, 2023
“It’s only three runs but it’s imperative, and I mean this sincerely, that someone tell Ted Cruz that the power is out in River Oaks so he can bounce,” another fan commented during the game.
“Houston loves you, @astros. Sorry about Ted Cruz ruining the series,” another fan posted.
Listen I am not superstitious. But if you look at the tape of last night. It is clear Ted Cruz cost the Astros that game. #GoAndTakeIt
— Josh Stewart (@JoshDStewart) October 24, 2023