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August 17, 2023

The hardest-hit homer of Alex Bregman's career and what it means

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Today's starting lineup

Alex Bregman launched the hardest-hit homer of his career, a line drive to left-centerfield, to get the Astros started in a 12-5 win over the Mariners.

A few batters later, Chas McCormick smashed the hardest-hit homer of his career on a 435-foot shot to center.

The Astros would need all of that on a night when Justin Verlander struggled. The power display also underscored Houston's recent upswing at the plate. The Astros have averaged 5.7 runs per game amid a 10-5 start to August. They have compiled the third-most runs among AL teams this month.

 "We're not full potential yet," McCormick said. "But we start swinging a little bit, we can be a dangerous team."

The Texans ended their joint practice with the Miami Dolphins on a high note, thanks to Jalen Pitre's pick six. Brooks Kubena has a full look at the day.

Another bright spot continues to be rookie Henry To'oto'o. He is a gamer with a certain air of confidence on and off the field. Plus, he's not afraid to dance. Jonathan M. Alexander with a look at the fifth-round draft pick.

Today is the release of the NBA schedule. Jonathan Feigen takes us inside the nine-month process, which is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle of travel, television demands and arenas.

One thing the schedule makers couldn't consider was the James Harden-Daryl Morey spat. Jerome Solomon says the recent controversy shows why Rockets were wise not to bring Harden back.

UH is certainly glad that running back Stacy Sneed is back. After a bumpy first two seasons, it appears everything is clicking for him and and off the field. Have a question about the Cougars? Joseph Duarte's weekly mailbag answers them all.

At the Little League World Series, Needville won its opener and will play again in the winner's bracket on Friday. A restaurant chain with ties to the town is ready to help celebrate. Matt Young has the connection between Needville and Twin Peaks.

Stat of the day: 107.5 mph. The speed of the ball off the bat of Alex Bregman's first-inning homer. It was the hardest-hit homer run of his career.

Reid Laymance HeadshotReid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com
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Astros / MLB

MIAMI, FLORIDA - AUGUST 16: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on August 16, 2023 in Miami, Florida.

Photo by: Megan Briggs, Getty Images

The hardest-hit homer of Alex Bregman's career defines a win

The metric offered a footnote to Alex Bregman's three-RBI night but also signaled potential turnaround from a season with OPS 100 points below his norm.

  • Astros 12, Marlins 5: Two big innings are enough for Astros and a shaky Justin Verlander.
  • Rotation spinning: After a brief time in bullpen, Hunter Brown will start on Friday. Dusty Baker says José Urquidy is still in rotation but unclear on next start.
  • Playing on: Jose Altuve was a bit sore but back in the lineup after fouling a ball off his leg on Tuesday.
  • Special treatment: Usually, it's just manager Dusty Baker presenting the World Series ring to former players, but several Astros wanted to be a part of it for Yuli Gurriel.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o takes a break on the field at the end of practice during an NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Rookie Henry To'oto'o is a gamer. And he can dance, too.

From impressing teammates with a Samoan dance to picking up the defense, rookie linebacker brings a desire to learn, work hard to make it in NFL.


College Football

HOUSTON, TX NOV 12: Houston Cougars running back Stacy Sneed (21) evades a tackle by Temple Owls cornerback Cameron Ruiz (19) during the college football game between the Temple Owls and Houston Cougars at TDECU Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Photo by: Leslie Plaza Johnson, Contributor

For UH, Stacy Sneed's comeback comes at right time

After a slow start in his first two years on campus, Stacy Sneed hit his stride at end of last season and looks to keep it going into Big 12.


Little League World Series

Needville, Texas' DJ Jablonski (10) celebrates with teammates after reaching his pitch limit during the sixth inning of a baseball game against Media, Pa., at the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa., Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Photo by: Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press

Needville wins Little League World Series opener

Needville advances in winner's bracket to a Friday game against a team from Fargo, N.D.


Rockets / NBA

Evan Wasch, the NBA executive vice president of basketball strategy and analytics, has for the past eight years led the group that produces the schedules each season, 

Photo by: NBA Photos

How NBA's schedule is made: the people, the process, the gripes

The nine-month process to create a schedule for 30 teams is a jigsaw puzzle of travel, television and arenas.

  • Separation: For someone who values his legacy, James Harden has done little to help his lately, topped off by calling his former friend and GM in Houston, Daryl Morey, a liar.

High School Football

Klein Collins quarterback Tucker Parks (2) looks to throw a pass during the first quarter against Klein Cain during a District 15-6A game in Spring, Friday, Oct. 21, 2022.

Photo by: Maria Lysaker/Contributor

District 15-6A preview

Klein Collins returns 14 starters and will be seeking its third district title in as many years and 10th straight postseason appearance.


Worth a read

• Vlatko Andonovski is out as coach of U.S. women's soccer team. (Washington Post)

• By signing Ezekiel Elliott, Bill Belichick acknowledges the offensive disaster of last season. (Boston Globe)

• A dream ending for England. A dream denied for Australia. (New York Times)

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