As playoffs begin, Astros' fate rests in hands of a great pitching staff

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View in browser OCTOBER SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Access fall events, football and more local news. Subscribe Today. Good morning. Here are the top sports stories around Houston today: Photo: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer It's in their hands From Justin Verlander's four-seam fastball to Lance McCullers' slider to Rafael Montero's changeup, these armaments have fueled the success of the best staff in franchise history as the Astros' playoff run begins today.    Easy math. As nice as Seattle's run to 90 wins was, it was 16 behind Houston, which simply has the better team in this ALDS, writes Jerome Solomon.   Familiar flaws Jonathan Feigen shares his takeaways from the Rockets' preseason loss in Miami that featured plenty of turnovers and a lack of defense at times.   Texans / NFL Fresh off a pair of home routs, the Rockets will match up with an Eastern Conference contender for their first road game of the preseason tonight in Miami.   Blocking things out The Longhorns expect everyone, including their star receivers, to embrace the assignments that rarely register in the public spotlight.   Greg Rajan Texas Sports Nation editor greg.rajan@chron.com Sponsored Content   Shopping The best deals of the Prime Early Access Sale The first-ever Prime Early Access Sale begins Oct. 11 and lasts two days full of early holiday deals.   Shopping Amazon marked down Echo Dots ahead of their Prime Early Access Sale Having robotic assistants around your home that can tell you the weather, give you the news, and control things in the house used to be nothing more than science fiction.   OCTOBER SALE: 6 MONTHS FOR 99¢! Unlimited Digital Access Act Now No Commitment | Cancel Anytime Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2022 Hearst Communications