MLB NOTEBOOK

Gubernatorial tweet jinxes Astros in eighth

AUSTIN, Texas — Here’s a new “oops” moment for a Texas governor: prematurely celebrating a Houston Astros playoff victory.

Houston led by four runs and was six outs away Monday from finishing off Kansas City, and the office of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted congratulations to the Astros for advancing to the AL Championship Series. The Royals then rallied in the eighth inning and forced a decisive Game 5 with a 9-6 victory.

The tweet has since been deleted.

Abbott, who is an avid Twitter user, responded to the gaffe by telling Astros fans to unfollow his office and stick to his personal Twitter account. He tweeted: “No predictions. Just support.”

Abbott spokesman John Wittman said the deleted tweet was sent by a staffer and declined further comment.

Game 5 is Wednesday at Kansas City.

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