It's finally here: Astros vs. Yankees, round 4

Your daily sports update from the Houston Chronicle.

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 'Way better than everybody thinks' Astros star Yordan Alvarez's power often overshadows his strong arm in the outfield or ability to hit to all fields and be a complete player.   He's there for them. The secret to manager Dusty Baker's success? Cultivating a personal relationship with everyone on his Astros team, writes Brian T. Smith.   The real games begin After an encouraging preseason, the Rockets will find out quickly how much they have progressed with a tough early schedule starting with tonight's opener in Atlanta.   Mailbag: Stingley's season, will Cooks be dealt? Jonathan M. Alexander's Texans mailbag answers questions about rookie Derek Stingley Jr.'s season, a possible Brandin Cooks trade and more.   Objective: Zero-sum game Rice coach Mike Bloomgren looks to the Astros for inspiration and wants his defense to pitch a shutout.   Houston football rankings: Week 9 North Shore, Lake Creek, Bellville and St. Thomas remain atop the Chronicle's high school football rankings.   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