Convenience Big Store: After another loss, Astros feeling even more urgency

6 MONTHS FOR 99¢!
Get Our Best Offer of the Year.
Subscribe Today.

Today's starting lineup

These Astros are no strangers to high-stakes games. But they've rarely come in September during the franchise's current golden era. But another loss to Baltimore on Tuesday has seen Houston's AL West lead narrow to too-close-for-comfort territory, leading to a heightened sense of urgency after their latest setback.

Through two weeks, the Texans' run game is figuratively stuck in the mud. Can speeding up the tempo of the passing attack help the rush offense?

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman isn't here to trifle around. For him, it's all about winning. Rice plays its first American Athletic Conference game this weekend, but the Owls' focus is more on a South Florida team that gave Alabama a scare than a historical nugget.

Mel Tucker is out the door at Michigan State, and his lack of accountability for his actions is appalling, writes Jerome Solomon.

The Scarborough football program, one of the state's longest suffering, is providing inspiration to the HISD school.

Stat of the day: 94. Home runs allowed by Astros pitchers since the All-Star break, the most in the American League.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros Mauricio Dubon (14) is tagged out on a rundown by Baltimore Orioles second baseman Adam Frazier (12) during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Time for doing, not talking

The Astros' lead in the American League West is now too close for comfort. Another loss to Baltimore on Tuesday has veteran voices talking about a need for a heightened sense of urgency.

Taking their lumps (again): The Orioles again hammer Astros pitching, riding four home runs to a second straight victory over Houston.
Out again: Michael Brantley was not in the Astros' lineup for a second consecutive game with what was called general soreness.
Son also rises: Infield prospect Will Wagner, the son of former Astros closer Billy Wagner, was promoted to Triple-A Sugar Land to close the minor league season.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (31) is stopped for a loss by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) with Tank Dell reaching in for the ball during the second half an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Time to pick up the pace?

Through two games, the Texans average the NFL's fewest rushing yards per attempt. Could an up-tempo pass-oriented offense help that lethargic rushing attack?

College Football

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 16: Conner Weigman #15 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates rushing for a touchdown against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks during the first half at Kyle Field on September 16, 2023 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Photo by: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Winning mindset

Texas A&M sophomore quaerterback Conner Weigman's competitive streak didn't waver in last week's 44-point win over Louisiana Monroe, and it likely won't in Saturday's SEC opener versus Auburn.

No leg to stand on: Disgraced Michigan State coach Mel Tucker is wrong to suggest race has anything to do with his termination. It's all about his actions, writes Jerome Solomon.
Focusing on smaller picture: While Saturday marks Rice's debut in the AAC, coach Mike Bloomgren is more concerned about a South Florida squad that gave Alabama a battle.
Big 12 rankings: It's Texas, Oklahoma and everybody else as the Big 12 rankings have unanimous selections in the top two spots for the first time this season.

Dynamo / MLS

Houston Dynamo's Corey Baird shoots and scores a goal against Minnesota United during the second half of a U.S. Open Cup soccer match Tuesday, May 23, 2023, in Houston. The Dynamo won 4-0. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo by: David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Comforts of home

Home field has definitely been advantageous in the Dynamo-Whitecaps series, which has seen the visitor win only once in 21 all-time meetings as they meet tonight in Houston.

HIgh School Football

The Scarborough football team 3-0 for the first time since 2001.

Photo by: Jon Poorman

Source of insipration

First-year Scarborough coach Darris Lewis is following through on changing the culture of an HISD program that has been among the state's longest suffering.

Ignore the size: Despite his 5-foot-8, 194-pound frame, Fulshear senior running back Davion Godley has emerged as one of the area's top ball carriers.
Getting defensive: As district play begins, North Shore has allowed just 26 points total and just 160 yards per game.

High School Volleyball

Cypress Ranch setter Taryn Gilreath (11) celebrates after the team's straight-set sweep over Bridgeland after their District 16-6A high school volleyball match at Cypress Ranch High School, Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, in Cypress.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Sweeping conclusion

Cypress Ranch extended its long district winning streak to 42 matches after sweeping rival Bridgeland.

Tomball Memorial 3, Tomball 2: The Wildcats snapped the 17-match district winning streak of the defending 15-6A champion Cougars.
Dawson 3, Pearland 0: Dawson rolled to its 14th straight victory, sweeping Pearland in a matchup of District 23-6A's top two teams.
Area roundup: Stratford continues its District 17-6A dominance on a busy Tuesday night on the volleyball courts around Houston.