Thanks to @Alkie it is clear, that other teams have kept their focus while playing the < .500 teams:
- . . .20 June
- C W S. . . 27 - 5
- Oak A’s. . 21 - 6
- Boston. . .18 - 7
- Cleveland.21-11
- Yanks . . . 17-13
- Seatle . . . 14-12
- Astros . . . . 8-9
(14-16 May) the Rangers swept the Astros @ their house, 4-10, 5-6, & 2-6!
I well remember the years when the closest Astros got to the playoffs was when they were able to make it hard - or even eliminate a contender’s chance - to make it to the playoffs.