Convenience Big Store: Jason Alexander provides an unexpected lift as Astros top Twins

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Today's starting lineup

The Astros haven't won many games this year thanks to quality starting pitching. But that was the case Tuesday thanks to an unexpected source. Jason Alexander, starting on short notice, turned in a solid effort as Houston nipped Minnesota to even their series. And in what's seemingly become a daily occurrence, an Astro went on the injured list, this time it's Lance McCullers Jr.

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

Greg Rajan, Weekend Sports Editor

greg.rajan@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Jason Alexander throws against the Minnesota Twins during the fourth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)

Photo by: Craig Lassig, Associated Press

More stabilization

Starting on abrupt notice, Jason Alexander continued the recent trend of improved starting pitching from the Astros to key a win Tuesday in Minnesota.

Astros 2, Twins 1: Isaac Paredes' first-inning homer was backed by Jason Alexander's six shutout innings and the bullpen held on late to end Houston's losing streak. Read More
McCullers to IL: Lance McCullers Jr. was set to start Tuesday's game before being scratched and then placed on the IL with a shoulder ailment. Read More
Jake Meyers: The Astros' opening-day center fielder was back after he missed 38 games following an oblique injury last month. Read More

Rockets / NBA

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) celebrates after a dunk during the second overtime of Game 1 in a third-round NBA basketball playoffs series against the Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, May 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Photo by: Tony Gutierrez, Associated Press

The great Wemby what-if

Watching Victor Wembanyama's sensational playoff performance was painful in Houston knowing just how agonizingly close the Rockets came to being able to draft the franchise-changer in 2023.

A memorable 'Kiss': Thirty-one years ago today, the Rockets' Mario Elie made his memorable "Kiss of Death" shot to beat the Suns in Game 7, a moment that's still synonymous with him. Read More
Knicks 115, Cavaliers 104 (OT): Jalen Brunson sparked one of the NBA's greatest postseason comebacks, a rally from a 22-point deficit in the fourth quarter as New York beat Cleveland in overtime to open the Eastern Conference finals. Read More

Commentary

The SEC would be wise to oppose expanding the College Football Playoff field to 24 teams so as not to further dilute the importance of the regular season.

Photo by: Andy Altenburger, Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images

Bohls' 9 Things

Kirk Bohls says it behooves the SEC to stay opposed to expanding the College Football Playoff to 24 teams. He also looks at Texas' impressive collection of coaches and ideas to revamp the NCAA baseball postseason.

The Dynamo, vying for their third U.S. Open cup title, couldn't hold a halftime lead before eventually losing on penalties Tuesday to St. Louis City SC.

Cup quest denied

The Dynamo, vying for their third U.S. Open Cup title, couldn't hold a halftime lead before eventually losing on penalties to St. Louis City SC in the quarterfinals.

NHL Playoffs

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Brent Burns, pictured at right during his time with the Aeros, is the only former Houston player remaining in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Sole survivor

After four ex-Aeros saw their seasons end in the second round, Colorado's Brent Burns is the last Houston alumnus standing in the chase for the Stanley Cup.