Today's starting lineup
After J.P. France was shellacked by the Red Sox last week, Astros manager Dusty Baker said his young starter had to face adversity in his next scheduled start at Boston. That came Tuesday night and France showed he was up to the challenge. He pitched into the sixth inning and the offense provided enough support to push Houston's winning streak to four games, putting the Astros in a three-way tie for first place in the AL West at night's end. The night also marked the return of veteran outfielder Michael Brantley after a 14-month injury absence.
The Texans' roster is down to 53 players after Tuesday's NFL deadline. Jonathan M. Alexander and Brooks Kubena share five key takeaways from Houston's flurry of moves. C.J. Stroud made 23 dropbacks this preseason. What did we learn from them? Kubena takes a closer look at the film. J.J. Watt is now part of the media and the new CBS analyst says his former Texans squad will surpass expectations this fall.
Those NFL players whose dreams are put on hold this week and need inspiration can look at Waltrip alum Keenan McCardell, who persevered after being cut five times to forge a 16-year career, writes Jerome Solomon.
Texas is leaving for the SEC? Well, good riddance. That was the message from UH coach Dana Holgorsen during his weekly radio show Tuesday. For more news and notes from Cullen Boulevard, check out Joseph Duarte's latest Cougar Confidential. After last year's disaster against Appalachian State, Texas A&M can't afford another slow start this season, writes Brent Zwerneman. Meantime, Clear Creek alum Sam Mathews earns A&M's prestigious 12th Man title.
The Dynamo are on a roll offensively as they host Columbus tonight.
Stat of the day: 37. Years since the Astros had two rookie pitchers with 10 wins each, which J.P. France and Hunter Brown now have. The last instance before this season came in 1986 with Jim Deshaies (12 wins) and Charlie Kerfeld (11).
 | Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor |
Astros / MLB
Photo by: Steven Senne, Associated Press
Quite the rebound
Five days after being shelled by the Red Sox in the worst start of his rookie season, J.P. France bounced back in impressive fashion Tuesday in Boston.
- The beat goes on: The Astros' bats struck early and provided enough support for J.P. France as their winning streak hit four games.
- Back, at last: Michael Brantley, who last played for the Astros in June 2022 before undergoing shoulder surgery, was activated before Tuesday's game.
- A little help from his friend: Yordan Alvarez's four-hit game in the series opener at Boston came with an assist from teammate Mauricio Dubón.
- History lesson: The Astros have hit for the cycle just nine times in franchise history with Jose Altuve being the latest player to do it. Here's more on each instance`.
Texans / NFL
Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer
Cut day: What we learned
With Kenyon Green on injured reserve and lost for the season, Houston has issues in the middle of its offensive line plus questions in the defensive backfield.
- All the moves: The Texans reduced their roster to 53 players by Tuesday afternoon's NFL deadline. Here's how the moves played out.
- Film study: What did we learn from C.J. Stroud's preseason? Brooks Kubena breaks down all 23 of the Texans rookie QB's dropbacks in the exhibitions.
- J.J. bullish on old team: J.J. Watt has already made his first bold prediction as a CBS analyst: the Texans will not be among the NFL's very worst teams in 2023 as they were the previous two seasons.
College Football
Photo by: Godofredo A Vásquez/Staff Photographer
Who needs them? Not UH
UH coach Dana Holgorsen did not mince words when Texas and Texas A&M became a topic on his weekly radio show Tuesday.
- Coogs catch a break: Their first four games being evening kickoffs will be quite advantageous for the UH football team.
- Cougar Confidential: In his latest notebook, Joseph Duarte looks at why top freshmen aren't slated for major roles early on and other UH news and notes.
- No time to trifle: After an upset loss last season to Appalachian State and previous close calls against underdogs, the Aggies are emphasizing a fast start against New Mexico.
- It's his time: Clear Creek graduate Sam Mathews, who went from tailgating at Texas A&M games to suiting up for the Aggies, has been named the 12th Man for the 2023 season.
- How to beat the heat: Temperatures will be sweltering for Texas A&M's opener at Kyle Field, so the school has some tips for fans.
- No fear factor: When Texas beat Rice two years ago, the Owls weren't ready for the big stage. This year's team has a different attitude.
Commentary
Photo by: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Picture of perseverance
Jerome Solomon writes that NFL players released this week can learn from former Waltrip star Keenan McCardell, who forged a 16-year career in the NFL after being cut five times.
Dynamo / MLS
Photo by: Michael Wyke, Associated Press
On a roll
As Columbus visits tonight, the Dynamo have won their past three games by a combined score of 11-1 with a pair of MLS victories and one in the U.S. Open Cup
High School Football
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer
Area rankings
After the first week of action, check out the latest Houston high school football rankings from our staff writers.
- Growing in his role: In his second year as Atascocita's offensive coordinator, Josh Stump has a new vantage point and added responsibilities under his father, head coach Craig Stump.
High School Volleyball
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer
Not letting up
A fast start and strong finish lead Tomball Memorial to a four-set win over Cy-Fair as the Wildcats continue their torrid start to the season.
- Fort Bend Austin 3, George Ranch 0: Fort Bend Austin's volleyball program exorcised some demons, ending a 12-match losing streak against George Ranch with a sweep.
- Montgomery 3, Klein Oak 0: Montgomery continued to turn the tables on Klein Oak, beating the Panthers for the second time in 10 days with a clean sweep.
- Area roundup: Being down two key players and facing a stout opponent on the road didn't stop Friendswood from pulling off an upset against Fulshear. Click here for more on Tuesday's Houston-area matchups.
Worth a read
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