Convenience Big Store: Mike Burrows gets an introduction into pitching at Daikin Park

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Looming behind each pitcher who takes the mound at Daikin Park is a left-field wall that can comfort or confound. The first pitch Mike Burrows threw for the Houston Astros initiated him to the havoc the Crawford Boxes can create.

"I think it was just, 'Welcome to Houston,'" Burrows said after what became a 6-2 loss. "It's the wall you've got to play with here. It's unfortunate but part of it."

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

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Burrows (50) reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Los Angeles Angels Josh Lowe during the second inning of a MLB baseball game at Daikin Park, Friday, March 27, 2026, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Welcome to Houston, Mike

A double and homer to left by the Angels are enough to beat Mike Burrows, making his Astros' debut

The Brice Matthews experiment: With an infield surplus, if Brice Matthews can adapt to the outfield (and hit), he gives the Astros more options and himself another avenue to play. Read More
Lineup shuffle: Jeremy Peña's return from a finger injury creates a logjam in lineup for Astros who shift Isaac Paredes to DH and Yordan Alvarez to left. Read More
In the minors: Catcher César Salazar, who has been in Astros organization since 2018, cleared waivers and was assigned to Sugar Land. Read More

UH / Basketball

Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) and head coach Kelvin Sampson react as time runs out in the Cougars' 65-55 loss to Illinois in a South Regional semifinal in NCAA college basketball tournament in Houston, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

What's next for UH basketball?

Kelvin Sampson will start rebuilding his roster with a heavier use of the transfer portal and also decide how much longer he wants to coach.

Illinois guard Keaton Wagler (23) brings the ball up the court as Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) leans in to defend during the second half of a South Regional semifinal in NCAA college basketball tournament in Houston, Thursday, March 26, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

It's an all-Big Ten affair at Toyota Center for spot in Final Four

Big Ten rivals Illinois and Iowa will clash in Houston on Saturday for a spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

Illinois vs. Iowa: Conference rivals Iowa and Illinois face off in March Madness with a spot in the Final Four at stake. What to know about the South Region final. Read More
Michigan 90, Alabama 77: Michigan ramped up its defensive intensity in the second half of its win over Alabama in the Sweet 16. T Read More
Tennessee 76, Iowa State 62: Tennessee beat Iowa State to advance to the Elite Eight for the third straight year. Read More
Duke 80, St. John's 75: Caleb Foster returned from a broken foot and rescued Duke's national title hopes. Read More
UConn 67, Michigan State 63: Tarris Reed Jr. scored 20 points, Alex Karaban added 17, and both made pressure-packed free throws in the final minute that helped second-seeded UConn hold off third-seeded Michigan State. Read More

NCAA Basketball Tournament / Women

Texas Longhorns guard Rori Harmon (3) directs her team during the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament against Oregon at the Moody Center on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in Austin.

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

Longhorns ready for an SEC rematch with Kentucky in women's Sweet 16

Texas has played at Dickies Arena already this season and have beaten Kentucky as well. The Longhorns are in Fort Worth face the Wildcats.

WNBA

Photo by: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

The WNBA is returning to Houston as Fertittas complete deal for Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun franchise will move to Houston after the 2026 season to bring WNBA back to Houston for first time since 2008.

Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) handles the ball against Memphis Grizzlies forward GG Jackson II (45) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 27, 2026, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Photo by: Brandon Dill, Associated Press

Give the Rockets a W for effort after a much-needed victory over the Grizzlies

It wasn't a perfect game, but the Houston Rockets will take what they can get in a 119-110 win over Memphis.

Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins listens to coaching from the bench during a preseason game on Aug. 24, 2002. (Photo by Ray Chavez/MediaNews Group/Alameda Newspaper Group via Getty Images)

Photo by: MediaNews Group/Alameda Newspape, MediaNews Group Via Getty Images

Barret Robbins, former Sharpstown High and Oakland Raiders star, dead at 52

RIP to Barret Robbins, who was a Houston high school football star before his turbulent NFL career that included an All-Pro selection and controversy.