Convenience Big Store: Wild homestand opener has a bitter end for Astros

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Today's starting lineup

A 162-game regular season will include its share of tough losses. The Astros might've absorbed the most devastating one to date Monday night. Houston took a two-run lead into the ninth inning only to see closer Ryan Pressly blow the save opportunity and give up the advantage. Then in the bottom of the ninth, the Astros couldn't score the tying run from third with one out to seal a brutal home loss to Baltimore, squandering a chance to add to their AL West lead. Houston's normally reliable bullpen, down one key arm, could not hold a pair of leads in the late innings

What have we learned from an 0-2 Texans start and Sunday's home-opener loss to Baltimore? Jonathan M. Alexander shares his takeaways heading into Week 3 at Jacksonville.

After going without an offensive touchdown in losing its Big 12 opener, conventional wisdom suggested changes might be coming for the UH offense. However, coach Dana Holgorsen is standing pat in the wake of the Cougars' loss to TCU.

Texas A&M hasn't won the West Division in 11 previous SEC seasons. But is this the year the Aggies might break through given the current landscape? At Texas, coach Steve Sarkisian is affirming his faith in quarterback Quinn Ewers after a rocky showing against Wyoming last weekend.

Stat of the day: 74-5. The Astros' record this season when leading after eight innings.

Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Ryan Pressly #55 of the Houston Astros gives up a three run hoke run to Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park on September 18, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Photo by: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Can't sustain prosperity

The Astros' bullpen blows two leads in the late innings, resulting in a crushing loss to Baltimore and a failure to create separation from their AL West pursuers.

Bitter end: In a back-and-forth battle between division leaders, the Orioles rallied to take a wild series opener from the Astros at Minute Maid Park.
20-20 vision: If Chas McCormick reaches 20 steals, he would become one of the few Astros in recent years to do it along with hitting 20 homers.
Javier gets call: Cristian Javier, who's struggled over the season's second half, will start Wednesday's series finale against the Orioles.
Stanek to farm: Astros reliever Ryne Stanek is scheduled to begin a minor-league rehab assignment today in Sugar Land.
Down the stretch they come: The American League West is coming down to the wire, so here's a look at the remaining schedules for the three contending teams.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Lessons from Week 2

Beat writer Jonathan M. Alexander shares his takeaways from the Texans' loss to the Colts and their first 0-2 start since 2020.

UH Football

Houston Cougars tight end Mike O'Laughlin (17) catches a pass as TCU Horned Frogs safety Millard Bradford (28) defends during the second quarter of the University of Houston's inaugural Big 12 NCAA college football game at TDECU Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Houston. O'Laughlin's catch was ruled incomplete.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Time to change? Not right now

Despite not scoring an offensive touchdown in the Big 12 opener, UH coach Dana Holgorsen has no current plans to make changes to a struggling offense.

Know your foe: An early primer for UH's game Saturday against FBS newcomer Sam Houston.
Golden award: Matthew Golden's kickoff return for a touchdown helped him become the first UH player to win a Big 12 weekly accolade.
Time set: UH's visit to Lubbock in two weeks will feature an afternoon kickoff time for the game against Texas Tech.

College Football

Texas A&M wide receiver Ainias Smith (0) breaks free from a tackle-attempt by Louisiana-Monroe linebacker Ja'Terious Evans, bottom left, to pick up a first down during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Photo by: Sam Craft/Associated Press

How the West can be won

Despite Texas A&M's 2-1 start, the SEC West looks winnable as the Aggies begin conference play Saturday against Auburn.

Keeping the faith: Despite a rocky performance against Wyoming, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian remains confident in QB Quinn Ewers' abilities.
Reaching a deal: Baylor has settled a years-long federal lawsuit brought by 15 women who alleged they were sexually assaulted at the nation's largest Baptist school.
Spartans to sack Tucker: Suspended football coach Mel Tucker has been informed he is being fired for cause without compensation for his conduct with activist and rape survivor Brenda Tracy.

HIgh School Football

Stafford quarterback Kamare Shorts (3) passes the ball against Lamar Consolidated during the first half of their non-district high school football game held Trayler Stadium Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 in Rosenberg, TX.

Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor

Taking to the air

Stafford is 3-1 heading into district play, in large part because of a potent passing game the Spartans have lacked since 2016.

What Willis is talking about: Willis quarterback DJ Lagway has helped the Wildkats improve to 4-0 for the first time since 2016, all double-digit victories.
Top performers: Week 4: Here is a look at some of the top individual performances from Week 4 of the high school football season.