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Today's starting lineup

The Astros outscored the Red Sox by a 23-7 total in their three-game set, hitting eight home runs in the series, and left Houston on the heels of five consecutive wins. Their offense totaled 43 runs and 52 hits across those five games after two listless losses to the Los Angeles Angels.

"Like I said in spring training, when all the guys in the lineup are healthy, this lineup is very dangerous," said Carlos Correa. "And we've shown that the first week of the season."

As the Astros start a road trip to Sacramento, Colorado and Seattle, Matt Kawahara looks at what we've learned.

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

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) after beating the Boston Red Sox 6-4 during a MLB baseball game at Daikin Park, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

What we learned in Astros' first homestand

A 5-2 start to the season by the Houston Astros is marked by a stronger offense, confidence in the bullpen and youth in the outfield

Triple play: What are the odds? Astros fan Brandon Smith attended the entire series sweep of the Red Sox and in each game, he caught a ball that originated off the bat of Boston's Trevor Story. Read More

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans owner Cal McNair walks after attending a session at the NFL football annual meetings, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Photo by: Ross D. Franklin, Associated Press

A conversation with Cal and Hannah McNair

Texans owner Cal McNair and wife Hannah McNair addressed several key topics for the franchise in the coming year.

Tank's return: While the Texans eagerly await Tank Dell's return, they won't rush the young receiver back to the field. Read More

Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7), Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, center, and Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, right, compete for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, March 25, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)

Photo by: Ellen Schmidt, Associated Press

Rockets clinch a playoff spot for second consecutive season

Houston is guaranteed a spot in the top six in the Western Conference and is currently seeded fifth.

Lakers' loss: Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic injured his left hamstring in a loss to Oklahoma City. Read More

TX TAX - Texas Property Tax Protest Tool

Photo by: Houston Chronicle

Be the first to use our guided property tax protest tool

The Houston Chronicle is launching a smarter way to prepare your property tax protest. Sign up for early access to TX Tax, and get deadline reminders and helpful coverage throughout protest season.

WNBA

The Houston Comets' Sheryl Swoopes looks for a teammate to pass to as the Connecticut Sun's Brooke Wyckoff defends in the second half of the Sun-Comets WNBA game in Uncasville, Conn., Friday, July 15, 2005. More than 20 years later, the Connecticut Sun are moving to Houston and will be rebranded as the Comets.

Photo by: BOB CHILD, AP

As Houston celebrates return of WNBA's Comets, Connecticut fans fume

While everyone in Houston is rejoicing over the return of the Houston Comets, WNBA fans in Connecticut are unhappy about losing their team to Tilman Fertitta.

Tennis

Frances Tiafoe of the United States reacts while playing against Rinky Hijikata of Australia during the Singles match on Day 4 of the Fayez Sarofim & Co. U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship at River Oaks Country Club.

Photo by: Kenneth Richmond, Getty Images

With Kevin Durant watching, Frances Tiafoe gets a three-set win

Frances Tiafoe was a bit nervous with Kevin Durant and other Rockets watching but pulls out a three-set win at U.S. Clay Court Championship.

UCLA's Lauren Betts drives against Breya Cunningham of the Texas Longhorns in the fourth quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 24, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Photo by: Ian Maule, Getty Images

Texas faces a tall task in UCLA's Lauren Betts in NCAA Final Four

The Longhorns slowed Lauren Betts earlier this season to beat UCLA and will have to do it again in NCAA Final Four.

Texas vs. UCLA: The Texas Longhorns play the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four of the women's NCAA Tournament in March Madness. Here's what to know before the national semifinals. Read More