Bottoms up: Astros' unheralded bats back Justin Verlander in ALCS Game 1 win

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View in browser October Sale: 6 Months for 99¢! Keep up with important local news, fall events and more. Subscribe Today. Good morning. Here are the top sports stories around Houston today: Photo: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer Bottoms up With New York pitching around Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve slumping, Houston's other hitters came through for a Game 1 win.   Vintage JV. Justin Verlander was the epitome of an ace, and showed why he's the best pitcher of his generation in the Astros' Game 1 win, writes Jerome Solomon.   Experimenting in the middle In splitting center minutes in Wednesday's opener Bruno Fernando fit and played well with the Rockets' starters while Alperen Sengun had an outstanding stretch with the reserves.   A handful coming up Texans rookie cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. will face arguably his toughest test to date Sunday against Raiders star receiver Davante Adams   No reason to hurry UH enjoyed success against Memphis with an up-tempo attack but coach Dana Holgorsen puts the brakes on using it all the time.   Greg Rajan Texas Sports Nation editor greg.rajan@chron.com Sponsored Content   Shopping Beats headphones are still at Amazon Prime Early Access Sale prices Even though the Prime Early Access Sale has come to an official end, some brands are still offering great discounts.   Shopping This inflatable Coleman spa has a 4-person capacity and massage jets for $245 This is the perfect addition to any backyard.       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