Astros’ party better late than never

TORONTO — The Astros moved their celebration from the team hotel to the clubhouse.

They marked their second straight AL West title by dousing one another with wine and beer and enjoying cigars after Wednesday’s 3-1 loss to the Blue Jays.

“We’re getting used to this,” infielder Alex Bregman said. “I like it.”

It was the second celebration of the day for the Astros, who clinched the division just after 2 a.m. Wednesday when the Athletics lost to the Mariners 10-8 in 11 innings.

The Twitter account of the defending World Series champions posted videos of players, coaches and their partners jumping up and down in celebration inside a meeting room at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

“It was pretty unique,” ace Justin Verlander said.

Back inside the smoky, dripping clubhouse, the Astros enjoyed a party that was, in Verlander’s words, “a little more traditional.”

“I hope we do this three more times,” he said.

Left-hander Dallas Keuchel was among those who stayed up to watch the A’s play Tuesday night at Safeco Field. Having celebrated late into the night, Keuchel was taking it easy at Wednesday’s postgame party.

“I usually drink a little bit at these, but I’m still hurting from last night,” Keuchel said.

Manager AJ Hinch, who stayed away from the hotel gathering because of a minor illness, decided to get involved in the clubhouse celebrations.

“It probably set me back a couple of days, but it’s worth it,” Hinch said. “There’s one team that can repeat, and that’s us. We need four celebrations and 11 wins.”