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Today's starting lineup

Leave it to Dusty Baker to sum up the Astros after their 8-5 win over the Rangers on Wednesday in the ALCS.

"This team doesn't quit," he said.

Another strong start from Cristian Javier, key hits by everyone from Jose Altuve to Mauricio Dubón and Martín Maldonado, a big catch from Michael Brantley all added up to a win on the road, where the Astros just seem to play better this season.

The ALCS is now 2-1 as Houston avoided a 3-0 deficit. José Urquidy will get the start for Game 4 on Thursday.

But as Baker says, "we know that the Rangers don't quit either. And it makes for a good series."

In basketball, the Rockets got a good look at rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama in a loss to the Spurs as preseason winds down.

And as UH prepares to face Texas on Saturday, Joseph Duarte has a fun "what if" look at Andre Ware and Vince Young. Ware, who won the Heisman Trophy for UH, wanted to go to Texas. Young, who led the Longhorns to a national title, wanted to stay home and go to UH.

Stat of the day: 7-1. The Astros' record in Arlington this season.

Reid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

ALCS: Astros vs. Rangers

Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryan Pressly, right, celebrates with catcher Martin Maldonado after getting Texas Rangers Josh Jung to ground out into a double play and end the ninth inning of Game 3 during the American League Championship Series at Globe Life Field on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Arlington.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

'This team doesn't quit'

Crisitan Javier pitched a strong game and the Astros offense started quickly to win their first game of the ALCS

Road warriors: Houston's win in Game 3 of the ALCS was its 17th in its last 20 games away from Minute Maid Park, including four straight at Arlington.
'The ultimate teammate': Given the start in center, Mauricio Dubón delivers three big hits thanks to the confidence he's grown in time with Astros
Cold-blooded: Cristian Javier continued his run of postseason success, picking up another playoff win in a key victory for the Astros.
The catch: Michael Brantley, no stranger to making big defensive plays in the ALCS, came through with a stellar catch Wednesday that was pivotal to the Astros' Game 3 win.
The deets: Game 3 from start to finish with our staff.
High five: A closer look at five key moments from the Astros' win over the Rangers in Wednesday's Game 3 of the ALCS.
Game 4: Righthander José Urquidy, who had strong start in clincher over Twins in ALDS, will face Andrew Heaney of Texas
Loud and proud: Rangers fans were loud at Globe Life Field but there were Astros fans all over the ballpark making their presence known.
Solid gold: Mauricio Dubón is a finalist for the AL Gold Glove awards at second base and utility. Alex Bregman is a finalist at third base, and Kyle Tucker in right field.

College Football

When both Vince Young and Andre Ware were young quarterbacks in high school, they hoped to play for different schools: Ware at Texas and Young at UH. What if the script had been flipped?

Photo by: Reuters/Houston Chronicle File Photo

What if Andre Ware had gone to UT and Vince Young to UH?

When both quarterbacks were stars in high school they had hoped to play for different schools: Andre Ware at Texas and Vince Young at Houston.

Big 12 power rankings: Oklahoma State's upset of Kansas sends the Cowboys surging in this week's Big 12 football rankings while UH makes a small climb after its first league win.
Rice at Tulsa: Rice and Tulsa are in a similar spot and will be meeting on the football field for the first time since 2013 when both were members of Conference USA.

Rockets / NBA

SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 18: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs battles for position against Jabari Smith #10 and Jae'Sean Tate #8 of the Houston Rockets in the first half of a pre-season NBA game at Frost Bank Center on October 16, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Photo by: Ronald Cortes, Getty Images

Victor Wembanyama gives Rockets a glimpse of the future

San Antonio rookie does a little bit of everything in preseason as Houston tries different combinations to guard him

Spurs 117, Rockets 103: Victor Wembanyama had a few breathtaking moments, dribbling between Reggie Bullock's legs, draining 3s and blocking shots.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive back Eric Murray gets ready for practice during an NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Safety Eric Murray placed on IR

The safety suffered a knee injury in the first half of last week's 20-13 win over the Saints.

A new linebacker: A second-year player, Myjai Sanders had been sidelined by hand injury this season before being waived by Arizona

High School Football

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

Games to watch in Week 9

With district title and playoff implications on the line, we break down some of the top games this week.

High Schools

Richmond Foster celebrate their victory In girls 6A finals Richmond Foster v Clute Brazoswood on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022 at Josh Davis Natatorium.

Photo by: Ronald Cortes

Houston-area water polo teams play for state spots

The Houston area is competing in three of the four regions, with Brazoswood and Foster looking to defend their girls and boys titles.

Cross country preview: Katy Taylor had not sent a runner to the boys regional cross country meet since 2013. This year, the Mustangs are sending juniors Carlos Varela and Michael Klahn.

College Basketball

Oklahoma State coach Mike Boynton addresses the media during the NCAA college Big 12 men's basketball media day Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo.

Photo by: Charlie Riedel, AP

Big 12 welcomes 4 new schools to college basketball's best league

The rich are getting richer this year with the addition of four more schools, headlined by Houston, when it went to a Final Four of its own not long ago.