Convenience Big Store: In a loss, Astros see a sign of maturity from rookie Spencer Arrighetti

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Today's starting lineup

Ensuring he stays in the major leagues requires constant adjustments for Astros rookie Spencer Arrighetti. He showed a sign of his maturity Saturday in Oakland by averting a disastrous first inning. Unfortunately for the Astros, it came in a loss as their bats couldn't get much going against the A's. Down on the farm, José Abreu discussed his rough start to the season and readiness to return after being optioned to the minors. Meantime, José Urquidy has to deal with an "unfortunate" setback he suffered in a rehab appearance.

New Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair brings a history with DeMeco Ryans and a calming influence to Houston.

The Dynamo see an early lead erased en route to a road loss against the L.A. Galaxy.

Pearland shuts down Memorial in Game 3 of their baseball regional semifinal to set up a matchup with Cy-Fair for a berth in the Class 6A state tournament.

Texas and Texas A&M are headed to Game 3 in their softball super regional in Austin after the Longhorns rallied to avoid elimination.

Stat of the day: 1. Win needed by Justin Verlander to break a tie with Ted Lyons (260) for 40th on MLB's all-time list.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Spencer Arrighetti throws to an Oakland Athletics batter during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Photo by: Godofredo A. Vásquez/Associated Press

Growth spurt

Astros rookie Spencer Arrighetti averted a disastrous inning Saturday against the A's, a sign he's improving as a major-league starter.

Out of sorts: Astros hitters suffer through an ineffective day as Houston loses to Oakland for the first time in six games this season.
Abreu opens up: Jose Abreu admits to feeling lost on the field with the Astros early this season, but he says he's ready to show how much the time away has helped him.
'Unfortunate' development: José Urquidy's setback pauses his attempt to rejoin the Astros from a forearm muscle strain sustained during spring training that's kept him out all season.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) takes the field during an NFL football OTA practice on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer/Staff Photographer

Right guy, right fit

Middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who signed a three-year deal with the Texans this offseason, is expected to bring a calming presence.

NBA

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives around Indiana Pacers guard Ben Sheppard (26) during the first half of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Indianapolis.

Photo by: Michael Conroy, AP

Celtics on the cusp

Jrue Holiday overcame an illness to convert the go-ahead three-point play with 38 seconds left to help Boston rally from an 18-point deficit to beat Indiana for a 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference finals.

New predicament: The Timberwolves are headed to Dallas trailing the Mavericks 2-0 in the Western Conference finals with Game 3 tonight after having the previous round's script flipped on them.

NHL

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14), Wyatt Johnston, center, and Thomas Harley, right, celebrate after Benn scored during the first period in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs against the Edmonton Oilers, Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Dallas.

Photo by: Tony Gutierrez, AP

Drawing even

Mason Marchment scored the go-ahead goal in the third period as the Dallas Stars beat the Edmonton Oilers to even the Western Conference Final at a game each.

Soccer

Houston Dynamo goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell can't reach a ball kicked for a goal by Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig during the second half of a Major League Soccer match Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Carson, Calif.

Photo by: Mark J. Terrill, AP

Done in by rally

The Dynamo took an early lead on Latif Blessing's goal, but Houston fell short Saturday night on the road against the L.A. Galaxy.

High Schools

Pearland celebrates by running on the field spraying water on catcher Cade Adams after they beat Memorial 8-1 after game 3 of a Region III-6A semifinal baseball game at Schroeder Park on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren/Staff Photographer

Pushing through

Pearland pitcher Nico Partida tossed 6⅓ innings and struck out 11 to lead the Oilers past Memorial in the deciding Game 3 of their regional semifinal series.

Baseball roundup: Scores and highlights from Saturday's other regional semifinals around the Houston area.
Softball roundup: Scores and highlights from Saturday's Houston-area regional final games.

College Softball

Texas softball rallied Saturday to force a Game 3 against A&M on Sunday at the Austin Super Regional.

Photo by: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

One final showdown

Texas rallied from a four-run deficit to hand Texas A&M its first loss in five NCAA Tournament games and force a decisive Game 3 tonight in the Austin Super Regional.

Roughnecks / Pro Football

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - MAY 18: Donald Rutledge Jr. #38 of the Houston Roughnecks celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the second quarter against the Birmingham Stallions at Protective Stadium on May 18, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Stew Milne/UFL/Getty Images)

Photo by: Stew Milne/UFL/Getty Images

Home finale arrives

The Roughnecks are out of the playoff picture but can end a four-game losing streak and their home schedule on a positive note today against Michigan.