A general view of a Houston Astros hat. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros, fresh off a years-long cheating scandal, are headed back to the World Series after defeating the Boston Red Sox, 4-2, in the ALCS.

Their triumph did not come without a little controversy, however.

Throughout the 2021 MLB Playoffs, the Astros have again been accused of cheating. First, Chicago White Sox reliever Ryan Tepera accused them of stealing signs during the ALDS and then fans noticed some curious whistling during the ALCS — a cheating tactic the Astros had been known to use previously.

Former Astros infielder Geoff Blum believes they should wear the allegations as a badge of honor. And following Friday’s 5-0 victory sending them to the World Series, he used the whistling to troll Houston detractors.

The Astros and their supporters are enjoying this now but they still have one leg of their journey remaining. They must defeat either the Atlanta Braves or Los Angeles Dodgers to reclaim the crown.

Atlanta currently leads the NLCS, 3-2, with Game 6 scheduled for Saturday night at Truist Park.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks' Luka Doncic gets payback, knocks out Clippers
Lakers fire HC Darvin Ham after disappointing season
Pius Suter's late goal sends Canucks to second round
Marlins trading away two-time All-Star as fire sale may already be underway
Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo contradict each other on star's injury
Caitlin Clark's strong WNBA debut dismisses concerns about transition to pros
Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense
Yankees' Aaron Judge addresses offensive woes creeping into May
Golden Knights force Game 7 behind shutout by Adin Hill
Donovan Mitchell's 50-burger goes to waste as Magic dominate the offensive glass to force Game 7
Jets HC Robert Saleh addresses QB Aaron Rodgers' status for OTAs
Eagles lose veteran OL to injured reserve
Rangers lose two-time All-Star starting pitcher to injury
Lakers make another big change after firing Darvin Ham
Draymond Green predicts LeBron James' next team
Twins place pivotal outfielder on injured list due to knee issue
Lakers' chances of landing Tyronn Lue not considered 'realistic'
Pirates option struggling former No. 1 overall pick to minors
Rangers' Vincent Trocheck downplays second-round showdown with former team
Longtime coach compares Patriots' Drake Maye to two legends

Want more Astros news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.