Convenience Big Store: Clutch comeback win helps Astros maintain narrow division lead

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Today's starting lineup

Five outs away from a sweep that would've seen them drop out of a playoff spot, the Astros rallied late Wednesday for the season's most important win to date. After Jeremy Peña's clutch hit tied the score in the eighth, Mauricio Dubón delivered the winning blow an inning later to beat Baltimore and keep Houston in first place in the American League West. Perhaps just as important, the Astros got a vintage performance from starter Cristian Javier, who had been struggling of late. Today brings a day off before the Royals visit for a three-game series to conclude the regular-season home schedule. The pitching alignment is set, mostly with an eye on next week's huge series in Seattle.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, whose status was questionable for last week's game. says his shoulder is feeling much better. However, the Texans are expected to be without a key piece on defense as starting cornerback Tavierre Thomas is expected to be out Sunday in Jacksonville. Texans fans have questions after an 0-2 start. Beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander answers some of them in a new mailbag.

The UH running game has been anemic through three games. Enter Parker Jenkins, the Klein Forest product who could give the Cougars' attack a charge.

A convincing home win over Vancouver pushes the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to seven games.

Simone Biles leads the way for the U.S. contingent heading to the gymnastics world championships in Belgium.

Week 5 of the high school football season kicks off tonight. Here are some games to watch over the next three days.

Stat of the day: 385. Games in the major leagues before Mauricio Dubón notched his first walk-off hit.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros Mauricio Dubon (14) is mobbed by teammates including Jeremy Peña (3) after hitting a walk off RBI single to win an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 in Houston. Astros beat the Baltimore Orioles 2-1.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Still on top

Desperately needing a win, the Astros rallied late to beat the Orioles on Mauricio Dubón's walk-off hit and remain atop the AL West.

Looking like his old self: Cristian Javier flashed his old form in turning in arguably his best start of the season Wednesday, giving the Astros reason for optimism as they try to maintain their lead in the AL West.
Puzzle pieces set: The Astros have tweaked their rotation for the next series against the Royals with an eye toward a crucial road trip to Seattle next week.
Stanek update: Ryne Stanek's first rehab appearance in Sugar Land drew positive reviews.
Day off: Yordan Alvarez was not in the Astros' starting lineup for Wednesday's game.
Altuve accolade: Jose Altuve was honored by LULAC for his work on the field and as a role model.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jon Shapley, Staff Photographer

Stroud on Stroud

After being limited in practice last week, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud provided an update on his shoulder heading into Week 3.

Mailbag: After a dispiriting loss to the Colts in the home opener, Jonathan M. Alexander answers questions from Texans fans looking to vent after an 0-2 start.
Doubting Thomas' availability: Texans starting cornerback Tavierre Thomas is expected to miss Sunday's game in Jacksonville with an injury.

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets center Boban Marjanovic (51) after a basket during the second half of a NBA basketball game at Toyota Center on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Officially in the fold

The Rockets make it official, bringing back popular veteran center Boban Marjanović

UH Football

University of Houston running back Parker Jenkins poses for a portrait on Tuesday, June 20, 2023 in Houston

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Opportunity knocking

Having made the most of limited action, Klein Forest product Parker Jenkins is "ready for prime time," says coach Dana Holgorsen, whose offense has underwhelmed so far.

Dynamo / MLS

Houston Dynamo's Brad Smith, Ivan Franco and Corey Baird, from left, celebrate a goal by Franco against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half of an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Photo by: Michael Wyke, Associated Press

Seven and counting

The Dynamo got goals from four different scorers to roll past Vancouver at home and push their unbeaten streak to seven games.

Gymnastics

Photo by: Godofredo A. V·squez/Associated Press

Leader of the pack

Olympic great Simone Biles of Spring leads the U.S. contingent for the world gymnastics championship after shining at tryout camp in Katy.

High School Football

Fort Bend Marshall takes the field before the game against Crosby, Friday, Sep. 1, 2023 in Missouri City.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Staff Photographer

Games to watch: Week 5

A look at this week's top games across the Houston area, with even more districts getting started and creating plenty of intriguing and important matchups.

Work yielding dividends: Offseason work that hasn't been a regularity for Yates in recent years has paid off for the Lions as they begin district play this week against North Forest.
Turning point? Clear Falls' win over Heights last week after starting the season 0-3 is the fuel needed as District 24-6A play arrives.
Area rankings: C.E. King cracks the Class 6A top five in our latest Houston area poll.
By the numbers: Check out the local leaders in various offensive and defensive statistical categories.