Convenience Big Store: 'Something beautiful.' Astros throw a special no-hitter vs. Rangers

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Today's starting lineup

It did not start out like a strong start for Tatsuya Imai. After his first 10 pitches and two walks, he received a visit from pitching coach Josh Miller. Imai settled down and pitched six innings of no-hit baseball. After Steven Okert pitched the seventh, rookie Alimber Santa made his major league debut. He closed out the no-hitter in style with a strikeout. 'Something beautiful.' Matt Kawahara has the report.

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

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com

Astros / MLB

Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa (from left), catcher Christian Vázquez, pitcher Tatsuya Imai and pitcher Steven Okert pose for a photo after a combined no-hitter against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on Monday, May 25, 2026, in Arlington.

Photo by: Smiley N. Pool, The Dallas Morning News

'Something beautiful.' Tatsuya Imai and two relievers combine for no-hitter

Tatsuya Imai doesn't allow a hit in six innings and Steven Okert and rookie Alimber Santa finish off no-hitter against Rangers.

'Just keep attacking': Tatsuya Imai's first 10 pitches were erratic. After a visit from pitching coach Josh Miller, Astros pitcher settled down for 6 no-hit innings. Read More
'An incredible first impression': Houston's Alimber Santa became the first reliever to finish a no-hitter in his MLB debut, doing it with two perfect innings against the Rangers. Read More
'This is the Gold Glove shortstop': Jeremy Peña's play on a hard-hit ball by Joc Pederson and Jake Meyers tracking down two balls in center helped save Houston's no-hitter. Read More
By the numbers: Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert and Alimber Santa combined for Houston's 18th no-hitter to beat the Texas Rangers. A look at the numbers. Read More
History: A look at each of the 18 no-hitters in Houston Astros history. Read More
Rehab update: Hunter Brown is still on track for a mid-June return to Astros and will make his next rehab start at Sugar Land. Read More

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oto’o, right, celebrates with linebacker E.J. Speed after recovering a fumble by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle

Texans' E.J. Speed to have surgery on quad. How long he's out and who fills in

The Houston Texans will be without a key member of their defense until November but have options to make up for loss of linebacker E.J. Speed.

Texas assistant coach Sean Allen, right, has been a right-hand presence for Longhorns head coach David Pierce even before coming to UT. He coached with Pierce at Tulane and Sam Houston State. Texas has parted ways with Allen, however.

Photo by: Jamie Harms/Special To American-Statesman

UH's search for next baseball coach nears an end with announcement expected soon

At least three candidates remain in the mix to replace Todd Whitting as baseball coach

Texas: Texas will host a regional including Holy Cross, Tarleton State and UC-Santa Barbara and could host a super regional if it advances. Read More
Texas A&M: The Aggies didn't get a top-eight seed but will host a regional with a Texas-flavor. Read More