Convenience Big Store: Inside Tank Dell's lifelong battle against being the 'underdog'

Today's starting lineup

We start today with the Texans instead of the Astros.

The Texans play their first preseason game at home on Sunday against the Miami Dolphis. The most exciting player on the field could very well be one that UH fans are quite familiar with: Tank Dell.

Brooks Kubena dives into what makes Dell so driven and exciting to watch.

"I feel like, me, I'm the underdog," Dell said. "When you feel like you're the underdog, you've got to take risks to get what you want."

The Astros didn't get what they wanted on Friday in a 2-0 loss to the Mariners as the offense went silent.

It didn't help that Kyle Tucker was sick, but perhaps Michael Brantley could be closer to returning.

Aside from the game, Matt Kawahara takes a closer look at Yanier Diaz. How he performs at the plate seems to track which position he plays. At DH, he's not so good. But when he plays catcher it's among the best on the team. He was at first base on Friday. He hasn't played there as much but his numbers are higher than as DH.

The other baseball team in the Houston area, the Needville Little League, won its second game at the World Series and is one of four unbeaten teams left in the U.S. half of the bracket.

Stat of the day: 1.98. The ERA for Astros pitcher J.P. France in his last nine appearances.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (13) runs the ball after making a catch against cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) during an NFL training camp Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Texans rookie Tank Dell's battle against being the 'underdog'

Former UH receiver has always been one to bet on himself as he matched his talent and desires with work ethic

Another RB: The Texas signed Larry Rountree III, who spent two seasons with the L.A. Chargers where he had 106 yards on 49 carries and one touchdown in 16 games.

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros designated hitter Yainer Diaz (21) watches his ball fly out to Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl during the sixth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Friday, June 16, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Inside Astros first baseman Yainer Diaz's eventful night

How Yainer Diaz hits sometimes seems to match what position he plays. He was at first on Friday.

Mariners 2, Astros 0: The Astros totaled four hits and were shut out for the first time since June 11 and fifth time this season.
Mixed message: Michael Brantley is happy with progress but did not offer an estimate of how many rehab games he might need before potentially rejoining Houston.
Injury report: Kyle Tucker is out with an illness and other medical updates.
TV guide: If Astros fans want to watch Sunday's game that won't be on the regular TV platform, most will have to pay extra.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale, left, celebrates the Rockets 104-98 win over the San Antonio Spurs with Rockets guard James Harden (13) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Toyota Center Monday, April 14, 2014, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Kevin McHale sounds off on time coaching James Harden in Houston

Kevin McHale talked about the difficulty he had coaching James Harden in Houston and says the star showed up to camp fat the season the coach was fired.

College Football

University of Houston defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo poses for a portrait on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Houston

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

UH's Chidozie Nwankwo has grown into 'ringleader' of defense

Four years after wanting to wear Ed Oliver's No. 10 as a freshman, the defensive lineman has grown into a team leader

New deal: The UT System Board of Regents has been asked to approve a contract extension up to $19.255 million through 2030 for athletic director Chris Del Conte.

Women's World Cup

Photo by: Brendon Thorne, Getty Images

Spain, England fighting equity battles where U.S. led the way

Before the Women's World Cup, England and Spain have both had to fight for soccer fairness, battles the U.S. women's national team is very familiar with as it now focuses on the Paris Olympics.