Today's starting lineup
In winning the pivotal finale of their series against the Mariners on Wednesday, the Astros ensured they will enter the final series of the regular season in control of their playoff fate. But nothing is guaranteed as Houston heads to Arizona for its final three games.
Seattle's win Thursday over the Rangers delayed the Astros' chances of securing a postseason spot until Saturday at the earliest. That would require a combination of Astros wins and Mariners losses totaling three. Otherwise, everything will come down to the season's final day. And Houston could be AL West champs, the No. 2 or No. 3 wild card, or out of the playoffs.
That it's come down to this is a final example of what a grueling season it has been for the Astros, who aren't an easy-does-it team. Jerome Solomon has the commentary.
Astros reliever Hector Neris apologized to Seattle's Julio RodrÃguez and denied directing a homophobic slur toward the Mariners center fielder during an interaction that led to the teams' benches clearing in Wednesday night's game. MLB is investigating.
The Dynamo captured the attention of the soccer world with their U.S. Open Cup title over Miami FC, even without Messi. Houston hopes it can build on the win as it heads into final stretch of MLS season.
The Texans would like to build on their win in Jacksonville but another shuffle appears in the works for the offensive line because of another injury. With Pittsburgh and T.J. Watt coming to town, it would seem imposing. C.J. Stroud, the league's offensive rookie of the month, isn't concerned.
In college football, the backup quarterback often is a fan favorite. At UH, Ui Ale has moved up to No. 2 and he comes with a tale worth knowing. Joseph Duarte has the story.
In College Station, the backup is now the starter but Max Johnson has a familiar face to throw to: his brother Jake.
And in Austin, Jonathon Brooks waited his turn behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson and is now making the most of it.
Stat of the day: 75.5%. The latest percentage chance for Astros to make the playoffs, per Fan Graphs.
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Astros / MLB
Photo by: Steph Chambers, Getty Images
Wild card? West title? No spot? How Astros' weekend can play out
A series win over Seattle was big, but nothing is locked in for Houston just yet.
- The hard way: With its playoff fate undecided, a franchise accustomed to 100-plus wins would happily take 90 by weekend's end.
- Rooting interest: Some of the Astros' playoff fate and positioning could be decided in Seattle where the Rangers and Mariners face each other to finish the regular season.
- Apology: Hector Neris apologized to Julio RodrÃguez but denied using a homophobic slur when words were exchanged on Wednesday. MLB is investigating.
- Honors: Joey Loperfido and Spencer Arrighetti were named the organization's player and pitcher of year in minors
- On deck: Houston takes a 48-30 road record into this pivotal series that ends the regular season The D-Backs, likewise battling for a playoff berth, are 43-35 at home.
Dynamo / MLS
Photo by: Rebecca Blackwell, Associated Press
Dynamo capture eyeballs in U.S. Open Cup win, hope to capitalize
Lionel Messi's absence notwithstanding, Houston seized the chance to brand itself a winner after years of being an MLS bottom feeder.
Texans / NFL
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer
Happy to be back
Second-year safety Jalen Pitre was cleared to return to practice Wednesday for the first time since taking a knee to the chest in the season opener.
- The O-Line shuffle: Josh Jones is latest starter who could be out ahead of game against T.J. Watt and Pittsburgh defense
- Top rookie: C.J. Stroud, who has yet to throw an interception, was named the NFL's offensive rookie of the month.
- Merger: The two spring football leagues announced an "intent to merge" but with no details as to Houston's future.
College Football
Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer
How quarterback Ui Ale found his pathway to UH
From Golden West College to the Big 12 and Houston, young quarterback is moving up depth chart.
- His turn: Sophomore Jonathon Brooks enters Saturday's matchup against 4-0 Kansas averaging 5.9 yards per carry.
- Family ties: New Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson has a familiar target in his brother Jake at tight end
- Recruiting: Terry Bussey, a 5-star recruit who plays defensive back, running back and receiver, commits to Texas A&M.
- UH mailbag: Joseph Duarte answers readers' questions about UH athletics, including which former Cougars stars should be next in line to get their jerseys retired,
Rockets / NBA
Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor
Rockets face questions beyond Kevin Porter Jr. ahead of camp
New coach Ime Udoka has to find right mix with free agents Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and six top draft picks from last three seasons plus expected departure of Kevin Porter Jr.
High School Football
Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor
Tompkins football defeats Taylor in second straight 19-6A rout
Tompkins improved to 3-3 overall, 2-2 in District 19-6A in handing Taylor (2-3, 2-1) its first district loss.
- Fulshear 39, Angleton 7: Fulshear overwhelms Angleton in matchup of last year's 10-5A Division I district co-champs.
- Dobie 59, Pasadena 14: Dobie scored on four of its first five possessions in the opening half to put the game away.
- Other games: Cy-Fair beats Jersey Village and other highlights from Thursday's games.
- Scoreboard: Check out high school football scores from around the Houston area and across the state of Texas.
High School Volleyball
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer
How the Houston volleyball playoff picture is shaping up
Houston-area teams in Class 6A, 5A and 4A are entering the final stretch of the high school volleyball season.
Worth a read
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