Convenience Big Store: Kyle Tucker keeps mashing as Astros pull out extra-inning win over Angels

Today's starting lineup

If it's Astros, Texans or Rockets, Houston fans love themselves a good "M-V-P!" chant. May might be a little early, but Kyle Tucker found himself serenaded with those three letters Wednesday night and it's hard to argue right now. Tucker continued his stellar start to the season with two more home runs to help the Astros rally past the Angels for a 10-inning victory. Chas McCormick was back in the lineup and acknowledged that his "crap" production before going on the injured list will have to improve in order to stay in the lineup.

The Texans were back on the practice field for the second day of OTAs. Here's what we learned from the workout, including who wasn't on hand. Receiver Tank Dell, three weeks removed from being injured in a Florida shooting, was back catching passes from C.J. Stroud.

In the latest regarding UH football's alternate blue uniforms, the school informs the NFL how its jerseys won't be confused with Houston Oilers throwbacks.

Why Texas A&M's baseball team turned to infielder Ryan Targac ... to coach first base. On the opening day of the Big 12 tournament in Arlington, a ninth-inning homer lifts Texas Tech to an upset of Texas.

Stat of the day: 1. Player with a better OPS than Kyle Tucker's 1.074: Shohei Ohtani (1.080).

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros Kyle Tucker (30) celebrates his home run with Alex Bregman (2) during the seventh inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

'It's fun to watch'

Few players in baseball can boast the numbers Kyle Tucker has put up this season. The right fielder was at it again Wednesday with two homers to help the Astros rally for a win over the Angels.

Working overtime: Astros got a two-inning performance from Josh Hader and a key hit from Jeremy Peña to get their 10th win in the past 13 games.
'Crap' won't cut it: After a six-game rehab stint for a hamstring injury that's kept him out all month, newly activated outfielder Chas McCormick believes his swing is coming around.
Big step forward: Barely more than a year since his Tommy John surgery, Luis Garcia threw off the mound at Minute Maid Park, fostering hope he can return this season.
Cabbage back to farm: With Chas McCormick back, Trey Cabbage returns to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie looks over his shoulder to track a ball thrown to him against cornerback Jeff Okudah (11) during an NFL football OTA practice on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

OTAs: What we learned

The Texans had their OTA practice Tuesday. From the cornerback competition to a looming prove-it season for Kenyon Green, here are some takeaways from the workout.

Back to work: Texans receiver Tank Dell, whose rookie season ended prematurely because of a broken leg and was injured in an offseason shooting, showed no limitations while participating in non-contact drills.
Fifth Down podcast: Houston Chronicle reporters Jonathan M. Alexander and Matt Young break down the Texans' 2024 NFL schedule, and make predictions for their final record.

College Football

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Pointing out differences

The University of Houston explains to NFL four ways its new blue jerseys will differ from the "Luv Ya Blue" of the Oilers

College Baseball

Photo by: Meredith Seaver, Associated Press

Finding a way to pitch in

Ryan Targac's senior year at Texas A&M hasn't gone as hoped for the former second-team All-SEC second baseman. But the infielder is happy to contribute however he can by coaching first base.

Texas Tech 6, Texas 4: Cade McGee hit a two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning to lift 10th-seeded Texas Tech to an upset of third-seeded Texas to cap the opening day of the Big 12 tournament.

Rockets / NBA

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) dunks the ball against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first quarter of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Boston.

Photo by: Michael Dwyer, AP

Back from the brink

As the Pacers stumbled with a lead late in regulation, the Celtics rallied to force overtime before taking Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals behind Jayson Tatum's 36 points.

Big test on tap: Daniel Gafford and rookie Dereck Lively II have given the Mavericks an inside presence. Now they get the challenge of the towering Timberwolves, led by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.