Winning 50 Before Losing 50

The Astros are currently 33-39, in third place out of five teams in the AL West, 9 games out of first, 7 games out of the third Wild Card spot.

On June 25, 2005, the Astros were 32-40, in fifth place out of six teams in the NL Central, 14 games out of first, 7 games out of the only Wild Card spot.

If my memory serves me correct (and it's possible I have my wires crossed), 2005 manager Phil Garner declared to the media during his team's subpar first half that he expected his squad to win their 50th game before losing their 50th game. It was unlikely at the time, but sure enough, on July 22, 2005, the Astros were 50-46. The team would hang on to win the NL Wild Card and make their first World Series appearance.

The 2005 run was memorable in part because it was so unlikely. These Astros are in a slightly more favorable position, and now there's two additional Wild Card slots up for the taking, but the team still has a lot of work to do.

So first things first: Before the All Star Break, the Astros face a mix of contenders (Orioles, Twins), mid-level teams (Blue Jays, Rangers), and cellar dwellers (White Sox, Marlins, Rockies). Can this team win 50 before losing 50?