Convenience Big Store: Ronel Blanco's 'good stuff' spoiled by pesky Twins in Astros' series-opening loss

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Today's starting lineup

In a topsy-turvy Astros season, Ronel Blanco had arguably been the lone constant. But on Friday, he encountered his first real speed bump of the season, with the pesky Twins making Blanco work and elevating his pitch count during Minnesota's victory to open a three-game series at Minute Maid Park. The Astros got some good news before the game, with Luis Garcia throwing his first live batting practice since last year's Tommy John surgery. The Twins' visit also marks a homecoming for Simeon Woods Richardson, Sunday's scheduled starter from Kempner High School.

The Texans are looking forward to see what Danielle Hunter, their big free-agent addition, can add on the defensive line.

Texas A&M and Texas both win their openers at the College Station baseball regional to set up an intrastate showdown tonight.

Simone Biles is on her way to a ninth all-around national title after a dominant first day at the U.S. gymnastics championships.

Stat of the day: 8-2. The Astros' record in Ronel Blanco's starts this season after Friday's loss to Minnesota.

Greg Rajan, Senior Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) reacts after giving up a two run home run to Minnesota Twins Trevor Larnach during the fifth inning of an MLB baseball game at Minute Maid Park on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Karen Warren, Staff Photographer

Good stuff spoiled

Astros manager Joe Espada said Ronel Blanco's stuff looked good. Analytics backed him up, but the Twins' bats told a different story during Minnesota's series-opening win Friday.

Not much happening: The Astros fell flat in the opener of their six-game homestand, getting only an Alex Bregman home run in the loss to the Twins.
Back on the bump: Astros right-hander Luis Garcia faced a hitter in live batting practice from the stadium mound at Minute Maid Park for the first time since he underwent Tommy John surgery last May.
'Surreal' homecoming: Twins rookie Simeon Woods Richardson, who starred at Kempner High School, will have lots of friends and family on hand Sunday at Minute Maid Park for his start.
Pitching in herself: Kate Upton, the supermodel/actress wife of Astros ace Justin Verlander, is bringing a new cocktail to Minute Maid Park's drink menu.
Another way to watch: Sunday's Astros-Twins series finale will air on MLB's new streaming partner Roku. Here's how to watch the game for free.

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) warms up during an NFL football OTA practice on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

Primed to do damage

The Texans are eager to see the impact free-agent addition Danielle Hunter can make on the defensive line.

Colleges

AUSTIN, TX - MARCH 05: Texas A&M infielder Ted Burton (27) watches his hit as he takes off for first base during the college baseball game between Texas Longhorns and Texas A&M Aggies on March 5, 2024, at UFCU Disch-Falk Field in Austin, TX. (Photo by David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Photo by: Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

Setting up showdown

Top-seeded Texas A&M cruises past Grambling in the opener of the College Station regional, setting up a winners bracket matchup tonight against Texas.

Texas 12, Louisiana 5: A seven-run fifth inning powers Texas to a blowout win over Louisiana in their regional opener.
'Healthy' finances: Texas A&M president Mark Welsh, making his first appearance at SEC meetings, is confident of finding a balance on meeting the changing costs of college athletics
Cashing in: Big 12 will distribute a record $470 million in revenue to its current member schools.

Dynamo / MLS

Houston Dynamo forward Latif Blessing, right, heads the ball as LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig defends during the first half of a Major League Soccer match Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Photo by: Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Dynamo at Timbers preview

Dynamo midfielder Latif Blessing has a two-match goal streak heading into a road match tonight against Portland.

Olympics

Simone Biles competes on the floor during the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Jim Cowsert)

Photo by: Jim Cowsert/Associated Press

Simone is sublime

Simone Biles is on her way to a ninth national all-around title, and a third Olympics, after a commanding performance Friday at the U.S. gymnastics championships.

NHL

Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) shoots and scores as Dallas Stars' Ty Dellandrea (10), goalie Jake Oettinger (29), and Chris Tanev (3) defend the net during the first period of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs Friday, May 31, 2024, in Dallas.

Photo by: Julio Cortez, AP

Not in the Stars

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice as the Edmonton Oilers dominated the Dallas Stars on their ice in Game 5 to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference Final.

High School Softball

Kingwood coaches and players signal '1' for one win away from the state softball tournament following a walk-off 6-3 Game 1 win in their regional final series against Katy on Thursday at Kingwood High School.

Photo by: Dennis Silva II | Staff Photographer

Mustangs' run end

Kingwood's bid for a Class 6A state championship ends with a semifinal loss to Waco Midway.

High School Baseball

Pearland starting pitcher Jaden Barfield (20) reacts after striking out Cy-Fair's Dylan Rostron to end the fourth inning of Game 2 during a Region III-6A championship series at Constellation Field, Friday, May 31, 2024, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

State on the line

A strong outing from Pearland pitcher Jaden Barfield helped the Oilers blank Cy-Fair in Game 2 of the Region III-6A final, setting up tonight's winner-take-all showdown for a berth in the state tournament.

Magnolia West 10, Lake Creek 3: Defending state champion Magnolia West scored four times in the top of the sixth to take the lead, sweeping Lake Creek in the Region III-5A final.
Tomball 2, Bridgeland 0: Tomball is one win away from its first trip to the state tournament since 2015 after a Game 1 victory over Bridgeland in the Region II-6A final.