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Today's starting lineup

It was quite the Sunday for the Astros, on and off the field. They capped a three-game series against the A’s with a roller-coaster loss in a slugfest that ended when Bryan Abreu couldn’t hold a lead in the 10th inning, giving up a walk-off homer. But the bigger development came before the game, when ace Hunter Brown landed on the injured list with a shoulder ailment. That puts the Astros’ overhauled pitching depth to an immediate test.

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 Hunter Brown (58) reacts after walking Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout during the third inning of a MLB baseball game on Opening Day at Daikin Park, Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Adversity has arrived

The arms the Astros accumulated over the offseason face an immediate trial by fire, as Hunter Brown's absence will test Houston's pitching mettle.

A's 12, Astros 10: Bryan Abreu's early-season struggles continued as he couldn't hold a lead in extra innings of a wild game, dooming Houston to a series loss to open its road trip. Read More
Brown to IL: The injured-list stint is the first of Hunter Brown's career and comes after he made two starts this season. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Rockets center Alperen Şengün's basket with 11.1 seconds left helped his team avert a fourth-quarter collapse against the Warriors on Sunday night.

Photo by: Eakin Howard, Getty Images

A positive sign?

The surging Rockets continued a recent stretch of strong offensive execution in their win over the Warriors, which could bode well in the postseason.

UConn forward Alex Karaban speaks during a news conference ahead of a national championship NCAA college basketball tournament game against Michigan at the Final Four, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Indianapolis.

Photo by: Jeff Roberson, AP

Three times the fun?

UConn redshirt senior Alex Karaban has a chance to join a select list of players to win three NCAA championships when the Huskies face Michigan in tonight's title game.

Health matters: UConn starting guard Solo Ball and Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg, are both dealing with injuries entering the championship game. Read More

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Photo by: Houston Chronicle

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NCAA Basketball Tournament / Women

UCLA players celebrate after defeating South Carolina in the women's National Championship Final Four NCAA college basketball tournament game, Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Phoenix.

Photo by: Rick Scuteri, AP

Bruin up a title

Gabriela Jaquez scored 21 points and Lauren Betts added 16 as UCLA routed South Carolina to win its first NCAA championship in women’s basketball.

Tennis

Tommy Paul pulled off his fifth ATP Tour title in dramatic fashion, saving three match points to win the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship for the first time.

Photo by: Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images

Feat of clay

Tommy Paul pulled off his fifth ATP Tour title in dramatic fashion, saving three match points to win the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship for the first time.