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Lady Luck
Astros finally catch a break to defeat the Twins in Game 1 of the A.L. Wildcard Series
Astros manager Dusty Baker always reminds his team of a simple saying that he has used throughout his playing days and his time spent as a manager in the big leagues.
Short Term Memory
Astros look to erase some of the bad memories from the regular season as the 2020 MLB Playoffs begin
Most professional athletes will tell you that they do not harp on mistakes made during the game. No matter how egregious it may have been. They don’t carry that negative energy or vibe into the next play or game. For the Houston Astros, they need to have that same mentality heading into the American League best-of-three Wildcard Playoff series against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday at Target Field in Minneapolis.
Closure
Astros get help from a friendly foe to secure final A.L. playoff spot.
As a young man my grandmother always taught me to do everything on my own and never depend on anyone to do anything for me.
Big Bats Help Reduce Astros Magic Number To One
One thing I love about getting together with some of my old high school football teammates is the reminiscing we do about our greatest moments during our four-year careers. Some have more stories than others, but that is ok because we listen to all the stories with the same enthusiasm as the previous 50-times we heard them. For us it’s just about reliving the moment.
Astros Control Their Own Destiny
Houston’s 6-1 victory puts them closer to securing a berth in the playoffs
“Controlling your own destiny,” is a phrase the Houston Astros have heard over the last three weeks day in and day out. Of course, it is a cliché that could be used at the start of every season, but it doesn’t mean as much when you still have over four months of baseball left during a normal season compared to a 60-game global pandemic one.
A Legend in The Making
The great debate on who is the G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) when it comes to the NBA players usually comes down to two of the best to have ever set foot on the hardwood. Retired Hall of Fame shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan or future first ballot Hall of Fame forward LeBron James who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. Sports fans go back and forth with different stats, attributes, and characteristics on who is the best and depending on the day, the top spot changes consistently.
Winding Down
Houston plays their final three home games of the 2020 regular season this weekend against Arizona
There is an old saying in sports that, “Every game counts.” No statement can be truer for the Houston Astros who find themselves in a playoff position battle with divisional foe Seattle Mariners. They are currently three games ahead of Seattle for second place in the American League West with 10 games left for the Astros that includes a three-game series at T-Mobile Park in Seattle.
Rockets “Dynamic Duo” earns All-NBA Honors
Although the Houston Rockets did not complete their ultimate goal of winning an NBA Championship this year, on Wednesday their two superstars were awarded with some very high praise. The NBA announced their All-NBA teams and the Rockets James Harden (First Team) and Russell Westbrook (Third Team) were announced as two of the top-15 players in the league.
Astros open homestand with an outstanding pitching performance by Urquidy
The Houston Astros found some familiar territory on Tuesday at Minute Maid park by defeating the Texas Rangers by a score of 4-1 in the first game of the final homestand for Houston this season. With the win the Astros climb back to .500 with a 24-24 record and are still in second place in the A.L. West with the playoffs near.
The Big Ten Conference Football Season Set to Begin in Late October
In a unanimous vote by the Big Ten of Presidents and Chancellors (COP/C), football will begin in the conference starting the weekend of October 23-24, 2020.
Headed Towards the Home Stretch
Astros hope that coming home can get them ready for a playoff run
For the Houston Astros, Monday can’t come fast enough. They finally get a rest day after playing a grueling 11-games on the West Coast that left them with a 2-9 record on the road and brings their away record to 7-18 on the season with seven more road games left. Three of those games will be against the Seattle Mariners who currently trail them in the standings for second place in the A.L. West by 1 ½ games.
Rockets must dig deep to stave off elimination in Game 5 against the Lakers
The Houston Rockets will be in a familiar place in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday inside the bubble at Disney Orlando as they face the Los Angeles Lakers down 3-1 in the best-of-seven series. They faced elimination late last month against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round and was able to come away victorious in Game 7 thanks to a huge defensive effort by superstar James Harden.
Repeat Performance
Texans drop season opener to the Chiefs
For at least four hours on Thursday night, America felt normal again because the NFL was back. In spite of everything this country has been through with the COVID-19 global pandemic, football is something that can help mentally take away all of the disastrous events that has happened this year. Unfortunately for the Houston Texans their woes continued as their 2020 NFL season began the same way their 2019 season ended with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sweet Revenge
Laureano hits walk-off single to lead the A’s over the Astros
One day after breaking a six-game losing streak, the Astros bullpen woes continued as Houston allowed a walk-off single by Oakland’s Ramon Laureano to push them 5 ½ games out of first place in the AL West. The A’s defeated the Astros 3-2 on Wednesday night in a game that Houston needed badly, winning only one game out of the eight played in California.
Texans Coach Romeo Crennel Honored for His Brilliant Defensive Mind
Houston Texans associate head coach Romeo Crennel is that one person that can strike up a friendly conversation with anyone he meets. His outgoing personality lights up any room he steps into. But once that headset goes on and he is calling out schemes and coverages, he is as ferocious as they come. That tenacity was rewarded by the Pro Football Writers of America when they named Crennel the 16th recipient of the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Award for lifetime achievement as an assistant coach in the NFL.
RUBBER MATCH
Rockets and Lakers square off in crucial Game 3 playoff matchup
And now the real games begin. With the series tied at one a piece, the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers know what is on the line in this crucial Game 3 matchup on Tuesday night. Teams that have won Game 3 of a best of seven series after it being tied at one game apiece, has went on to win the series over 70% of the time.
Astros road woes continue in 6-0 loss to A’s
In a short 60-game season, multiple game losing streaks sticks out like a sore thumb. For the Houston Astros, a team that has been plagued by multiple injuries this season, they have picked the worst possible time to standout as they are in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Their woes continued on Monday night as they dropped another game back in the standings by losing to the A.L. West division leaders Oakland A’s. Houston (21-20) lost to Oakland (24-14) by a score of 6-0 in Oakland. That brings the Astros road record to 5-14 away from Minute Maid Park.
Expect The Unexpected
Angels sweep all four games from the Astros
People always tell one another to, “Expect the unexpected.” Those are just hollow words until the unexpected happens. Then the person or persons it is happening too is caught off-guard and often times left scrambling trying to figure out what happened.
A Helping Hand
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban helps former NBA player Delonte West during his time of need
On Monday billionaire owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, went to personally pick up former NBA player Delonte West from a gas station in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area according to TMZ. West was seen earlier last week holding a sign on nearby street corners and individuals reported he did not look in the best of health. TMZ also reported that some family members were concerned that West is battling a drug addiction and wanted him to seek help, to which Cuban has said he will pay for.
The Future
Texans extend contract of Deshaun Watson making him the second-highest paid player in the NFL
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson isn’t one to show too many emotions off the field in public. He is a hardworking individual who lets his electrifying play on the field do all of his talking for him. Once he takes his helmet off, no matter the magnitude of the game he just highly performed in, he keeps the same business-like attitude.
On the Road Again
Astros takes series from Rangers and head out West for a grueling road trip
Stop me if you have heard me say this before. Michael Brantley is good.
Brantley’s bat and Javier’s arm helps the Astros bounce back with a 2-1 victory over the Rangers
Earlier this season, Astros manager Dusty Baker called his All-Star left fielder Michael Brantley a “Professional Hitter.” On Tuesday night Brantley held true to that title by blasting a two-run homerun over the right field wall which proved to be all the runs the Astros (20-15) would need as they defeated the Texas Rangers (13-22) 2-1 at Minute Maid Park. It was Brantley’s second homerun in as many games against the Rangers having hit a three-run shot the night before.
BLOCKED
Harden’s game saving shot-block helps the Rockets advance to the second-round
One measure of a true leader is allowing others to lead as well. That’s what Houston Rockets superstar guard James Harden did on Wednesday night in Orlando to help his team defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-102 and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. They will face the No. 1 seeded Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night in Game 1.
LOUD & CLEAR: Texans Players Will Hear New Voices From Both Sides Of The Ball This Year
As the Houston Texans complete their final week of 2020 Training Camp. One thing stands out during the rigorous drills and scrimmages the players go through. There are new voices being heard as they head into their first game against the reigning Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday September 10, 2020 to start the entire NFL season.
It’s Really Simple: “Win or Go Home”
Rockets take on the Thunder in Game 7 with a lot to lose on the line
For Houston, this is more than just a Game 7. Their future is on the line if their season ends on Wednesday night to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Orlando. So many questions will have to be answered:
Astros game against the Oakland A’s gets postponed due to positive test results from the A’s organization
On Sunday the Houston Astros had its fourth game postponed in less than a week. The organization was alerted around 1am early Sunday morning that a member of the Oakland A’s organization had tested positive for COVID-19. Houston and Oakland played a doubleheader on Saturday to make up for the postponed game on Friday when both teams decided not to play to protest social injustice in America.
Astros sweep doubleheader from Oakland
The Houston Astros finally got back to doing what they love and that is playing baseball. After having two days off as a safety precaution due to inclement weather that was supposed to make its way towards the city. Houston, in a collaborative effort with the Oakland A’s postponed Friday’s game to unite and raise awareness against the social injustice and systemic racism that has our country on edge and divided in some instances.
Bringing that same energy
There is just something different about Houston Texans safety, Michael Thomas. Spend five minutes around him and you can’t help but to recognize his southern hospitality and energy. Thomas met with the media on Saturday after training camp practice and brought the same fervor and tenacity that he brings to the field as he talked about the social injustice issues that surround our society.
Astros and A’s postpone game on Jackie Robinson Day to protest social injustice
On Friday, Major League Baseball teams celebrated former Negro League and Major League player Jackie Robinson who broke the color barrier in the MLB by becoming the first African American to play in the modern era in 1947. Robinson played during a time where the negro was looked down upon for the color of their skin. Many believe that the negro players should stay in the league they were given and leave the Major Leagues to the white players.
Astros split doubleheader with the Angels as Hurricane Laura makes its way towards Houston
Doubleheaders are rare in Minute Maid Park. So rare that the one played on Tuesday was just the second in stadium history. On September 2, 2017 the Astros faced the New York Mets in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey which caused major destruction to the city of Houston due to severe flooding in major parts of the city.
Astros Foundation and Chevron Provide School Supplies to Children As Part of Wins for Kids Program
Once again, the Houston Astros organization continues to show how committed they are to the citizens of Houston and surrounding areas. The Astros Foundation has teamed up with Chevron to provide school supplies to 500 children from New Hope Housing and Star of Hope as part of their Wins for Kids program.
Starting Over
Astros stay hot at home defeating the Angels to open 10-game homestand
One day after losing another heartbreaker in San Diego. The Houston Astros (16-13) bounced back to take game 1 of the four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels (9-21) at Minute Maid Park. Super phenom outfielder Kyle Tucker second inning 404-ft homerun got the Astros hit parade started and they never looked back after that.
Late Game Collapse
OKC uses late game run to defeat the Rockets 117-114 to even the series
For the second game in a row the Houston Rockets (2-2) have been good, but just not good enough to finish. After losing Game 3 on Saturday in overtime due to the inefficiency to slow down big runs by the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-2) at the end of quarters, the Rockets let it happen again in Game 4. OKC used a 22-7 run at the end of the third quarter to erase a Houston 15-point lead and would go on to defeat Houston by a score of 117-114 to even the series at two games apiece.
Home
Astros looking for the home field magic to get them going
The character Dorothy from the movie, “The Wizard of Oz” described what the Houston Astros are thinking.
Change
Veteran OL Whitney Mercilus is looking forward to playing under a new defensive signal caller
Change is something that a lot of individuals can’t accept. Whether it be a cubicle switch in the office or furniture rearrangement at home. Some people are not good with dealing with change.
Bad Night in San Diego
Astros have a rough night in San Diego losing 13-2
When Astros manager Dusty Baker said after Friday’s one-run loss to the San Diego Padres that broke their eight-game winning streak, “We need to go out tomorrow and start another streak.” I don’t think this is what he was talking about. San Diego (17-12) used an explosive second inning to take game two of the series from the Astros (15-12) defeating them 13-2.
Astros winning streak stopped at eight-games after loss to Padres
The old cliché goes, “All good things must come to an end.” The Houston Astros (15-11) learned that on Friday night as the San Diego Padres (16-12) broke their eight-game winning streak defeating them 4-3 at Petco Park.
Lockdown
Rockets become stingy on defense in the second half to take Game 2 against OKC
The Houston Rockets took a commanding 2-0 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs in Orlando defeating them by a score of 111-98. Houston used something that is becoming synonymous with their “Small Ball” lineup that has an undersized 6’5 forward in P.J. Tucker starting at center and that is defense.
Embrace Adversity
Astros win eighth straight game after defeating the Rockies 10-8
When I was in the Army, I had a drill instructor that gave us some of the best advice one could ever receive.
SWAC Releases Tentative Spring Football Schedule
This past week the Southwestern Athletic Conference made a move to try to bring some sense of normalcy back to its 10 football programs. They announced the league’s 2021 spring football schedule
Rocky Mountain High
Astros use a season high in runs and hits to defeat the Rockies
Sometimes all that is needed to get you going is a little fresh air. At least that’s what it took for the Houston Astros dangerous hitting lineup to get ignited. The Astros (14-10) had an offensive outburst to the tune of 13 runs and 20 hits at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado to defeat the Rockies (13-11) by a score of 13-6 for its seventh straight win and third win in as many days against Colorado.
No Cozy Reunion
James Harden and Jeff Green use big offensive nights to defeat former team in Game 1
If there was any heart felt feelings towards the organization that drafted Rockets All-Star guard James Harden and NBA veteran forward Jeff Green you could not tell once they took the floor in their first-round matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2020 NBA Playoffs in Orlando. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 123-108 to take the first game of the best-of-seven series.
Astros Lose Power Hitting DH Yordan Alvarez for the Rest of the Season
The Houston Astros were dealt a real big blow to their chances of a repeat run to the World Series. On Wednesday, Houston was given the news that reigning 2019 American League Rookie of the Year Yordan Alvarez is out for the remainder of the season with a partially torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
“Friends”
Roommates Bielak and Taylor shuts down the Rockies to extend winning streak to five games
The sitcom “Friends” was a mega-hit on television networks about six individuals who lived in Manhattan, New York who had their personal and professional lives followed on a daily basis. On that show were two roommates that were always up to some sort of shenanigans and they had uncanny ability to make everyone around them feel comfortable.
Talk That Talk
Texans hit the grass for the first time with intensity #TexansCamp2020
“Y’all can’t do anything against us,” a voice from the defensive side of the ball yells towards the offense. “We shutting it down today out here,” the voice says louder as the offense walks up to the ball.
Negro League Celebration
Baker talks about the MLB honoring the Centennial Year for the Negro National League
On Sunday, Major League Baseball honored the Negro National League and it’s 100th year anniversary. Everyone associated with the MLB had on Negro Leagues 100th anniversary logos at all ball parks. The NNL was formed during the 1920s and was the first of the seven leagues formed for “Colored Players.” The “Negro Leagues” were established because black players were not allowed in MLB.
Dome Fire at Mojave National Preserve outside Las Vegas burns 16K acres
A wildfire at a national preserve near the Nevada-California border has reached 16,000 acres, according to the San Bernardino County Fire District.
It’s Your Birthday
The Astros celebrated catcher Martin Maldonado’s birthday with a walk-off win
Kyle Tucker capped off a great birthday weekend for his teammate Martin Maldonado. His walk-off homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Astros (11-10) a 3-2 win over the Seattle Mariners (7-16) and capped off a sweep of the series. Houston is now on a four-game winning streak and have won five out of the six games they have played in Minute Made Park.
A Major League Winning Streak
Astros defeat the Mariners to win third game in a row
One of my favorite movies of all-times is Major League II, staring Omar Epps, Charlie Sheen, and James Gammon who played the manager of the Cleveland Indians.
BOOM!
Alvarez’s return to the lineup wakes Astros bats up in victory over the Mariners
I have a friend that I have known for over 20-plus years of my life that I just refuse to lose any competitive events to. No matter if it’s video games, cards, board games, kick ball, etc. I am not losing. It must feel that way every time the Houston Astros (9-10) face the Seattle Mariners (7-14). The Astros used a strong first inning offensive outburst to defeat the Mariners 11-1 on Friday night at Minute Maid Park.