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An Astros road trip that didn't start on the best of notes ended with a flourish Thursday. A crisp start-to-finish domination of the Rangers gave Houston three wins in four games at Arlington and a 7-3 road trip. Cam Smith added some flair to the finale with a home-run robbery of Brandon Nimmo, denying Texas some early momentum.

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

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - MAY 28: Cam Smith #11 of the Houston Astros goes up to catch a deep fly ball off the bat of Brandon Nimmo #24 of the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Globe Life Field on May 28, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Photo by: Ron Jenkins, Getty Images

Ending trip in style

An early home-run robbery by right fielder Cam Smith denied the Rangers momentum as the Astros took three of four against their intrastate rival to end a strong road trip.

Astros 5, Rangers 1: Houston got an early offensive outburst and another quality start from Spencer Arrighetti to win three of four against its intrastate rival and finish 7-3 on a long road trip. Read More
Resting up: A stretch of 23 games in 24 days ends Sunday and the Astros are monitoring the workload of several lineup regulars, including Christian Walker and Jake Meyers. Read More
Back to five-man rotation: The Astros can go for most of their next three series without using a starting pitcher on fewer than five days’ rest. Read More

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws a pass during OTAs at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Not lingering on contract

Heading into his fourth season with the Texans, C.J. Stroud says he's not focused on contract talks but does believe he's deserving of an extension.

Houston Rockets center Clint Capela wearing the team's ketchup-and-mustard uniforms for a game on Jan. 3, 2020. The Rockets had these popular uniforms as an alternate jersey to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise's last championship. Now, they could be back.

Photo by: Tim Warner, Getty Images

'Ketchup and mustard' redux?

The Rockets will unveil new uniforms this offseason and are leaving hints that it will be a return to the popular design of the 1994-95 championship teams.

Spurs 118, Thunder 91: Victor Wembanyama had 28 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks as San Antonio rolled to send the Western Conference finals back to Oklahoma City for Game 7. Read More

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UH / Big 12 Meetings

An event on Easter Sunday at TDECU Stadium.

'Significant damage'

UH says extensive TDECU Stadium turf damage from an Easter service setup may not be permanently fixed until after football season.

Support for baseball: UH athletic director Eddie Nuńez says the school will likely increase scholarships for baseball but says the Cougars' resources are competitive. Read More
McGuire claps back: Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire had a response for Texas' Steve Sarkisian, and a challenge to play in Week 1 — with the Red Raiders ready to put their money where their mouth is. Read More
Call for leniency: Joey McGuire said new Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby is willing to accept punishment for gambling, but believes it shouldn't end his career. Read More

Texas / SEC Meetings

FILE - Greg Sankey, commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, speaks during NCAA college basketball women's SEC Media Day, Oct. 16, 2024, in Birmingham, Ala.

SEC standing firm

The SEC is trying its best to play nice, but there’s a limit to playing ball with the rest of the FBS at the risk of harming its own interests, especially when it comes to expanding the playoff field.

Don't expect change: Three Texas players from a women's Final Four team, including two starters, opted to leave, but hard-driving coach Vic Schaefer doesn't plan to change his approach. Read More

Women's College World Series

Texas Longhorns pitcher Teagan Kavan (17) throws a pitch during the NCAA Softball Championship Super Regional final against Arizona State at Red & Charline McCombs Field on Sunday, May 24, 2026 in Austin.

Champs on the brink

After an opening loss to Tennessee, Texas will need to beat Mississippi State to keep its national championship defense going.

Texas Tech 8, Mississippi State 0: Jackie Lis belted a two-run home run and NiJaree Canady pitched four scoreless innings as Texas Tech opened with a run-rule victory over Mississippi State. Read More

High School Softball

Pearland is seeking its first softball state championship since 2023.

Embracing proud tradition

Pearland will be seeking its fourth softball state championship against Waco Midway on Saturday.

Who are Houston’s top high school athletes and coaches?

The Houston Chronicle is launching its inaugural Athlete of the Year polls, featuring 12 nominees for Boys Athlete of the Year, 12 nominees for Girls Athlete of the Year and 12 nominees for Coach.

Community All-Star voting: The Community All-Star Award honors athletes who demonstrate leadership, service and character both within their teams and beyond. Read More