HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — “It can’t end this early, can it?”

Astros fans might be asking themselves that question as their team heads into an elimination game Wednesday afternoon in the second game of the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers, who tamed the seven-time AL Championship Series finalists in Tuesday’s opener.

SEE ALSO: Houston Astros participate in rare early elimination game after losing Wild Card opener vs. Detroit Tigers

For the ‘Stros, there are several things at stake besides their unlikely division-winning season.

Eyewitness Sports sets the tone for Houston’s fight for survival two games into its 2024 postseason run.

Where can I watch AL Wild Card Game 2?

ABC13 is the broadcast home of the Astros in the AL Wild Card Series. You can tune into Channel 13 on TV in the Houston area.

You can stream ABC13 if you have that too Hulu + Live TV.

What time does the game start?

ESPN on ABC coverage on ABC13 begins Wednesday at 1 p.m. The first pitch is 30 minutes later.

How many wins are needed to advance to the AL Division Series?

This AL Wild Card Series – one of two during this round – requires two wins from three games, all of which will be played at the higher seed’s home ballpark.

With a Game 2 win, the Tigers can advance to the ALDS on Wednesday. Otherwise, Houston could force a decisive Game 3 on Thursday. The Astros need to win two games in a row to advance out of the Wild Card Series.

The winner will play the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday.

What are the storylines to watch in Game 2?

Alex Bregman’s last ‘Stros game’?

The star third baseman has earned world championship and All-Star nods since being called up to the big leagues in 2016.

Bregman, 30, is wrapping up a contract that paid him $30.5 million last year and this year. He will become a free agent once the Astros begin the offseason, and is expected to sign a contract that far exceeds his multi-million dollar salary.

Whether the Astros will offer big money to keep Bregman remains to be seen, but fans assumed his days in Houston were coming to an end. The Minute Maid Park crowd gave Bregman an ovation when the Astros substituted him during the final home game of the regular season.

An Astros win Tuesday will extend his stay by at least one game.

This scenario also applies to 41-year-old pitcher Justin Verlander, whose 2025 option did not vest due to a lack of innings pitched. He could leave Houston without playing a game this postseason for the Astros.

A kid from Detroit against the Tigers

Astros manager Joe Espada decided to start Hunter Brown on the mound to keep their season alive.

The 11-win starting pitcher broke out in 2024 as a concrete rotation player for seasons to come, but his biggest test during his short stint in Houston will be taming the Tigers’ bats in an elimination game.

Brown, 26, is a Detroit native who grew up as a Tigers fan and revered former Detroit great Justin Verlander.

Brown has thrown 10.2 innings over seven playoff appearances since 2022, but Wednesday marks his first-ever postseason start.

The Tigers will counter with a bullpen game, with relief pitcher Tyler Holton opening.

Astros have been here before

Despite losing Game 1, ESPN betting still favors Houston in Game 2.

The Astros have a 9-8 record in postseason elimination games since 2015.

The last time Houston won an elimination game to immediately force another was in the 2020 AL Championship Series when the Astros dropped the first three games but won the next three to seal Game 7 against the Tampa Bay Rays to force.

SEE MORE: 2024 Astros take fans on a rollercoaster ride: 5 defining moments from the unlikely division champions