Astros rally by Red Sox

Boston — Jose Altuve ran away with the AL batting title.

The AL West race wasn't any closer.

Altuve coasted to his third AL batting crown despite going hitless in two at-bats and the Houston Astros rallied for their 101st win on Sunday, cruising into the playoffs with a 4-3 victory over Boston in a preview of the Division Series matchup.

"This is the first time I've won a batting title and the team's going to go to the playoffs," said Altuve, who is also among the favorites for the AL MVP.

The Astros posted their best record since earning 102 victories in 1998, winning the division by 21 games over the second-place Los Angeles Angels.

The best-of-five ALDS against Boston begins Thursday in Houston.

One day after the Red Sox won to clinch the first back-to-back AL East titles in franchise history, the teams used lineups filled largely with backups. Houston had already replaced starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel with McHugh, and Boston manager John Farrell scratched ace Chris Sale after Saturday's win so he could rest up for the playoffs.

The Astros started four regulars, and the Red Sox started two.

"We had planned to give a number of guys a day off after we did clinch," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "But you're still looking to evaluate all the way through the final out . ... While it might have been a little bit more relaxing, you're still going out to try and compete and try to win a ballgame."

Trainer's room

Red Sox: 2B Dustin Pedroia sat out his second straight game to rest a sore left knee.