Convenience Big Store: How C.J. Stroud stepped up to help storm-ravaged Houston

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Today's starting lineup

When the storms rolled through the Houston area last week, Rodney Murdock had a tree fall on his house in the Fifth Ward.

Imagine his surprise on Sunday when the "Relief Gang," a group founded by rapper Trae the Truth and radio personality DJ Mr. Rogers, showed up to help with another partner: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Jonathan M. Alexander tells the story of Stroud's jumping in to help.

The Astros finished their 10-game homestand with a 7-3 record after a 2-1 loss to the Angels Wednesday afternoon.

The performance by starting pitcher Hunter Brown was a positive sign as the Astros try to turn their season around. José Abreu is expected back soon, and Ronel Blanco will return on Sunday.

In college athletics, the NCAA is close to a plan to settle a $2.77 billion case related to NIL compensation dating back to 2016. The deal calls for schools to commit between $15 million and $25 million per year to be paid directly for athletes. Joseph Duarte explains how that will put a squeez on UH.

Texas and Texas A&M each lost in their conference baseball tournaments. The Longhorns were eliminated in the Big 12 after an 8-7 loss to Cincinnati. The Aggies dropped their opener to Mississippi State and will face Tennessee next.

Stat of the day: 0-4. The record of the top four seeds in the SEC baseball tournament on Wednesday as Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky and A&M all lost.

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud takes a snap during an NFL football OTA practice on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

How C.J. Stroud stepped up to help storm-ravaged Houston

Responding to a post seeking volunteers, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud cut tree branches and removed debris from a Houston man's house.

Happy camper: Last season's one-year deal whetted the tight end Dalton Schultz's appetite to stay in Houston and build on a good thing.

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown (58) pitches to Los Angeles Angels Nolan Schanuel during the first inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Hunter Brown rues one big mistake in encouraging start

Save for a two-run homer by a .111 hitter, the second-year right-hander was solid in Wednesday's loss to the Angels.

Angels 2, Astros 1: The Angels had just three hits but it was enough as Houston's offense couldn't find the runs to end homestand with loss.
Ready to go: José Abreu appears poised to rejoin the Astros on their upcoming road trip after spending three weeks at the team's spring training facility in Florida.
Sunday starter: Ronel Blanco is set to make his return to the Astros' rotation Sunday, when his 10-game suspension ends for having a foreign substance on his glove.
One who got away: The Astros did not have room for Corey Julks, but he's found a home in Chicago, producing in his first week with the White Sox.

Colleges

Chris Pezman presides over a UH athletic department whose 2022-23 operating budget was the lowest among current Power Four schools.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer

Dana Holgorsen buyout exacerbating UH cash crunch

The Cougars, still two years from getting a full slice of the Big 12 pie, could also be bitten by a potential NCAA settlement implementing revenue sharing with athletes.

Longhorns eliminated: Cincinnati beats Texas 8-7 in a Big 12 tournament elimination game and leaves Longhorns to await NCAA selection show
Texas A&M falls: The top four seeds in the SEC baseball tournament all lost on Wednesday, including the No. 4 Aggies who face No. 1 Tennessee next.

High Schools

Photo by: Staff Illustration

Softball regional finals off to wet start

Lake Trake trails Belton in regional final opener that was suspended by sever weather.

Baseball playoffs: Friendswood and Magnolia West open regional round with wins.

Golf

Randy Sonnier Swings During The The 1985 Masters Tournament (Photo by Augusta National/Getty Images)

Photo by: Augusta National/Augusta National/Getty Images

Randy Sonnier among inductees for 2024 Texas Golf Hall of Fame class

Selected in the amateur category, he played on the 1984 World Amateur team and 1985 Walker Cup and made appearances at the Masters and U.S. Open from 1987 through 1994.

Dallas vs. Houston

The Texas Rangers are the reigning World Series champions and now the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars are both in the 2024 NBA and NHL conference finals, respectively.

Photo by: Getty Images

Dallas could make history. 5 times Houston came relatively close.

The Texas Rangers already are baseball's champions and now the Mavericks and Stars are trying to bring Dallas another title. Here's how close Houston has come.