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Today's starting lineup

After logging an inordinate amount of innings to open the season, the Astros' bullpen needed a break. Enter Lance McCullers Jr. In a throwback performance, the longtime Astros hurler put the clamps on the Red Sox while sparing the taxed relief corps. He was backed by other members of Houston's old guard in a series-opening win over Boston.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning's headlines.

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. celebrates after the top of the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox in Houston, Monday, March 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Photo by: Ashley Landis, Associated Press

'Just enjoy the moment'

Lance McCullers Jr. not only gave a taxed bullpen a break Monday but flashed some of his old form over seven strong innings against the Red Sox.

Astros 8, Red Sox 1: Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Carlos Correa all made big contributions in Houston's third consecutive win. Read More
No cause for concern: Astros manager Joe Espada said the recent drop in Bryan Abreu's velocity was about his mechanics and not any sign of arm trouble. Read More
'Grateful' to be back: Cody Bolton joined the Astros nearly a year after he was concerned about being able to pitch again in the wake of a car accident. Read More
Bullpen shuffle: Christian Roa was sent to Triple-A for a fresh arm after the Astros needed over 18 innings from their bullpen in the season's first four games. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka talks with forward Tari Eason (17) as the team takes on the Los Angeles Lakers at the Toyota Center in Houston on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

Helping re-center his game

Tari Eason made only 10 of 64 3-pointers after the All-Star break but a recent team meeting has helped him regain confidence ahead of the playoffs.

Texas players pose after beating Michigan in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Monday, March 30, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Photo by: LM Otero, Associated Press

No stopping them

Michigan never knew what it the Wolverines as Texas continued to storm through the NCAA Tournament, with the next stop the Final Four in Phoenix, writes Kirk Bohls.

South Carolina 78, TCU 52: Joyce Edwards scored 24 points and Agot Makeer added 18 to help South Carolina beat TCU to advance to the Final Four. Read More

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WNBA

Photo by: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Comets officially back

Nearly 18 years after playing their last game, the Houston Comets have been revived and will begin play next year when the WNBA returns to Houston.

State of the Sun: The WNBA's Connecticut Sun had a down year in 2025, but developed a promising young core of players who could make the transition to the Comets in 2027. Read More
Ticket info: If you're excited about the Comets' return to the WNBA, you can already reserve your spot in line for 2027 season tickets. Read More

UH Athletics

Houston guard Isiah Harwell (1) and Lehigh forward Edouard Benoit (5) got after a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at Fertitta Center in Houston, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Moving on

Part of the nation's No. 2-ranked recruiting class, guard Isiah Harwell is planning to transfer after just one season with UH.

Friday night fight: Texas Tech booster Cody Campbell says "Friday Night Lights" are sacred in the state for high schools and is balking at moving the UH-Tech game to a Friday slot. Read More

College Baseball

Texas Longhorns infielder Adrian Rodriguez (24) hits a pitch during the game against Ole Miss at UFCU Disch-Falk Field on Friday, March 13, 2026 in Austin.

Photo by: Aaron E. Martinez, Austin American-Statesman

Sidelined a while

Texas shortstop Adrian Rodriguez, who had offseason surgery on his left hand, will miss a few weeks after another a "minor procedure" to ease the pain.