Today's starting lineup
The Astros are four days away from their playoff opener. But they have some pressing questions to answer before hosting the Twins or Blue Jays on Saturday. Matt Kawahara looks at five topics to watch heading into Game 1. Houston is trying to become MLB's first repeat champion since 2000. We talk to people who've done it about why it's become so hard to go back to back. Looking for former Astros in the playoffs? They're all over the place.
How players like Jonathan Greenard are changing expectations for the Texans' defense. The injuries to the offensive line continue as guard Kendrick Green is out indefinitely.
By showing his new players a horror film of sorts, Rockets coach Ime Udoka sends a message on the first day of training camp. With a new coach and some decorated veterans on board, playtime is over for the younger Rockets, writes Jerome Solomon. Jalen Green is looking at a possible change in agents as he's nearing being eligible for a contract extension.
The Texas A&M-Alabama football series has been lopsided through the years, but hasn't lacked for entertainment on and off the field. UConn may be 0-5, but Rice isn't sleeping on the Huskies entering their matchup.
Stat of the day: 6,938. Days between playoff wins for the Twins, whose most recent postseason victory before Tuesday was a 2-0 win at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 5, 2004.
 | Greg Rajan, Texas Sports Nation editor |
Astros / MLB Playoffs
Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer
Five pressing topics
As they wait for their playoff opener, the Astros still have things to consider including the third and fourth starters, Michael Brantley's health and Martín Maldonado's starting role.
- Doubly tough to repeat: The Astros are trying to become the first MLB team to win back-to-back championships in 23 years. There are varying theories on why it's become so hard a task.
- Another award: Astros outfielder/DH Yordan Alvarez rides a hot closing stretch to American League player of the month honors for September.
- Time passages: How much time did MLB's new pitch clock save Astros fans this season? Try more than two full days.
- Alumni report: No matter who the Astros play in the postseason this year, there will be a former Astros player on the other team's roster, with plenty of Houston exes still in play.
- Twins 3, Blue Jays 1: Royce Lewis hit two home runs as host Minnesota ended a record 18-game postseason losing streak and moved a win away from a division series matchup with the Astros.
- Rangers 4, Rays 0: Jordan Montgomery tossed seven shutout innings as visiting Texas put 99-win Tampa Bay on the brink of elimination.
- Phillies 4, Marlins 1: Zack Wheeler struck out eight in six-plus innings at home as Philadelphia beat Miami to move within a victory of an NL Division Series rematch against Atlanta.
- Diamondbacks 6, Brewers 3: Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno homered as Arizona hit Milwaukee ace Corbin Burnes hard in a Game 1 victory on the road.
Texans / NFL
Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer
Changing the narrative
Defensive end Jonathan Greenard is among the players making impact plays for a vastly improved Texans defensive unit.
- Taking another hit: Veteran guard Kendrick Green is out indefinitely with the latest injury to an offensive line that has lost nine players so far this season.
Rockets / NBA
Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor
'We want to be a different team'
On the opening day of training camp, a 28-minute film session showed clips and numbers of how poor the Rockets were the past three years, and new coach Ime Udoka says it's time to change.
- Playtime is over: After three consecutive losing seasons, the Rockets are getting serious with a new coach and tested veterans to guide what's left of their youth movement, writes Jerome Solomon
- Mulling his options: As he enters his third NBA season, Rockets guard Jalen Green is considering leaving CAA for new representation.
- Bullock on board: Picking up veteran Reggie Bullock adds more experience and fills a need with the expected departure of Kevin Porter Jr.
- Familiar face in fold: In addition to being on a new network, Rockets game broadcasts this season will include Gerald Green, a face familiar to Houston fans.
College Football
Photo by: Sam Craft, Associated Press
Keeping things interesting
Texas A&M hasn't had a lot of success against Alabama, but lively quotes and fantastic finishes have been part of a matchup that renews Saturday but isn't on the 2024 schedule.
- Ready for their best: Rice isn't taking 0-5 UConn team lightly as the Huskies come off posting a season-high in yardage in a narrow loss.
High School Football
Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer
Running wild
Senior Hunter Andrews has topped 200 rushing yards in consecutive weeks to help Magnolia stay in the playoff hunt.
- Quite the threat: North Shore receiver Christopher Barnes has been making big plays in the passing game and on special teams for the Mustangs.
- Area rankings: Week 7: This week's local rankings sees new teams crack into the top five in Class 6A and 5A.
- By the numbers: See which local players are leading the Houston area in various statistical categories.
High School Volleyball
Photo by: Eric Christian Smith, Contributor
Still unblemished
Atascocita kept its perfect District 21-6A record intact with a sweep against Kingwood on Tuesday.
- Tompkins 3, Seven Lakes 1: Tompkins gets by Seven Lakes to take outright possession of second place in District 19-6A volleyball.
- Clear Springs 3, Dickinson 1: Clear Springs remained unbeaten in District 24-6A with a four-set victory against Dickinson.
- Area roundup: Among other volleyball action around Houston, Jordan sets a program record for victories.
Worth a read
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