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Astros get a big pop back in their lineup with the return of 2019 A.L. ROY Yordan Alvarez
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker finally caught a huge break on Friday. With his team currently under .500 at 8-10, a record some could attribute to the rash of injuries they have suffered through in the first part of a shortened season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baker is getting a big bat back in the Astros lineup that will add more firepower to an already explosive offense.
Still Proving Them Wrong
After busy off-season Texans Tytus Howard is ready to focus on football
A lot has changed over the past year for Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard. He got married to his college sweetheart, Chelsea over the off-season and the two will welcome their first child in the world this coming October. Something I am sure the two are very excited about.
Let It Be Known
Greinke calls out pitches from the mound in Astros victory
Babe Ruth’s called homerun in the 1932 World Series against the Chicago Cubs is by far one of the greatest sports debates of all time. Many have agreed that Ruth repeatedly pointed to the outfield to indicate that he was going to hit a homerun. Others have debunked the theory by saying that he was pointing towards the pitcher or the bullpen that had been talking trash to him all game.
Safety Camp 2020
Texans open training camp under a different set of circumstances than in the past
Normally this time of the year in Houston fans are preparing to watch the Texans play their first preseason game all the while calling in to their favorite local sports shows and debating on social media about which third-string player has a chance to make an impact and the roster.
Now Hiring
Astros bullpen wastes brilliant outing by Bielak to lose in extra inning
At this point of the season Astros manager Dusty Baker should create a LinkedIn page with a headline that reads:
McCullers pitches a gem to help Astros break five-game losing streak
A wise man once told me that you must be able to learn from all of your downfalls in life before you truly can appreciate the victories that will come your way.
Self-Confident
Rockets reserve guard Austin Rivers comes off the bench to score a career-high 41 in victory
The multi-platinum artist Beyonce had a huge hit back in 2009 named “Ego” and on the remix she added another multi-platinum artist in Kanye West. In his verse he said some profound lyrics that describe Houston Rockets backup point guard Austin Rivers perfectly.
Fighting Frustrations
Astros involved in a bench clearing brawl as they drop 5th straight game
It has been a frustrating 2020 for the Houston Astros. Outside of being branded as the “Asterisks” and becoming the bad guys of baseball due to the 2017 cheating scandal, they have had their roster decimated by injuries of some of their top players in the first 15 games of the season. To make matters worse they have lost five games in a row and are currently 5 ½ games back of the Oakland A’s for the lead in the A.L. West.
Wounded Warriors
Astros looking to stay in contention while they get healthy
I can imagine how hard it is for Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker to keep it all together from day-to-day. As someone who takes pride in giving his all to his job and making no excuses, I am pretty sure he wants to scream out these words every time he gets the daily injury report.
All-Star outfielder George Springer listed day-to-day with wrist strain
The Astros suffered a minor setback in Thursday’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. All-Star center fielder George Springer had to leave the game after he suffered a right wrist strain in the bottom of the fifth inning. Springer made a brilliant diving catch to hinder Arizona’s Andy Young from getting a hit.
Versatility
Jeff Green is helping the Rockets prepare to make a deep run with his play off the bench
For some, February 17, 2020 was just another Monday where people on social media usually complaining about going back to work and how they wish they could have just one more day at home.
Wasted Opportunity
Bielak’s Major League starting debut lost after bullpen blows lead
PHOENIX, AZ- Astros rookie Brandon Bielak’s Major League career has truly had some highs and some lows. On last week the 24-year old right-handed pitcher earned his first Major League win against the Seattle Mariners and picked up another victory against the Los Angeles Angels. Both came in relief outings, but those performances were good enough to gain the confidence of manager Dusty Baker and he earned a spot in the starting rotation.
New Toys
Watson is excited about the new offensive weapons the Texans acquired in the off-season
This hasn’t been the typical off-season for Texans franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson. In the midst of dealing with a global pandemic caused by COVID-19 and pending contract negotiations, he learned his number one wideout for the last three years, DeAndre Hopkins, was traded to the Arizona Cardinals after a workout.
The Roof Is On Fire
Arizona uses a torrid fourth inning to defeat Houston 14-7
What was setting up to be a beautiful comeback story for Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1) quickly turned into a horror movie like the Nightmare on Elm. St. series with the bats of the Diamondbacks playing the role of fictional boogey man Freddy Kruger.
Repeat Performance
Javier dominates Diamondbacks to get his first Major League win
On Tuesday night the Houston Astros (6-4) defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks (3-8) by a score of 8-2. Some will look at the score and think it was a blowout victory by the Astros, but there was a lot of details and improvements by Houston that is starting to show. They are getting that three consecutive 100-plus win seasons glow about them again.
Making Up For Lost Time
Astros go extra innings to close out the series against the Angels
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Making up for lost time?” It seems like it is becoming the mantra for the 2020 MLB season for the Houston Astros after an over three-month layoff due the COVID-19. On Sunday, Houston (5-4) defeated the Los Angeles Angels (3-7) by a score of 6-5 in extra innings to win the series 2-1. The game was the Astros third extra inning game out of the last four played.
Rockets Restart
Houston opens up against the Dallas Mavericks on Friday as the 2019-20 season is set to resume
The Houston Rockets will continue their pursuit of an NBA Finals Championship on Friday against the Dallas Mavericks as the 2019-20 season starts back up after nearly four months off due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. Houston will play eight games at ESPN Disney before the playoffs start and every game counts for the Rockets since they are in a playoff seeding battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz.
Dodgers pitcher and manager suspended by MLB after bench clearing incident against the Astros
Major League Baseball sent a strong message to the rest of the league in regard to any other teams seeking any type of revenge towards the Houston Astros for the 2017 cheating scandal that was revealed this past off-season by a former Astros pitcher who is currently with the Oakland A’s.
Bad Blood
Benches clear as Astros and Dodgers faced each other in Houston for the first time since 2017
Ever been out somewhere and notice a fixture that causes you to reminisce about the past? It could be a park that you and a significant other use to go to just to talk. Or that one restaurant that you used to go to as a kid that just took you back to your younger days? Now not all memories will be pleasant. Some of those places could take you back to some tumultuous times in your life and cause some real emotions to stir up.
The Shot Heard Around Houston
Bregman’s 100th career homerun leads Astros to victory over the Mariners
One day after having their 15-game winning streak snapped against divisional foe Seattle Mariners, the Houston Astros (3-1) got back to some familiar ground on Monday night and that is dominating the Mariners (1-3). Houston scored runs in three consecutive innings to defeat Seattle 8-5 and take the series 3-1.
HAR-”D”-EN
Late defensive stops down the stretch by Rockets superstar has help lead Houston to victories
With 16.2 seconds left on the clock in Sunday’s matchup between the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks, the reigning 2019 NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounpo found himself with an opportunity to take advantage of a statement he made earlier this year about former 2018 MVP James Harden. During a press conference after the 2020 NBA All-Star game, Antetokounpo said his team’s defensive scheme towards the end of the game was, to get the ball to whoever James Harden was guarding.
Astros Place Justin Verlander On the 10-day Injured List
Astros No. 1 starter, Justin Verlander was placed on the 10-day IL list with a right-arm forearm strain according to Houston Astros communication department. Astros manager Dusty Baker said that Verlander will not throw for two weeks and will be reevaluated at that time.
It Had To Happen One Day
Mariners get first victory over Astros after losing 15-straight games
Well you knew it had to happen one day this year in Houston and on Sunday it did. For the first time at Minute Maid Park since September 19, 2018 the Seattle Mariners (1-2) defeated the Houston Astros (2-1) by a score of 7-6.
Welcome Back
Lance McCullers earns first victory almost two years to the date of last start
The city of Houston experienced a temperature drop due to the rain that continuously poured down from the skies for hours on Saturday. Yet Minute Maid Park must have felt as hot as the desert for the Seattle Mariners as the Houston Astros brought the heat at the plate for the second game in a row. The Astros (2-0) defeated the Mariners (0-2) by a score of 7-2.
Strange Beginnings
Astros win home opener against the Mariners 8-2
The crowd size may have changed, but the results are still the same. After having the season delayed for nearly three months due to COVID-19, the Houston Astros (1-0) finally opened their 2020 MLB season with a win over division foe Seattle Mariners (0-1) by a score of 8-2. The victory tonight makes the Astros 19-1 in the last 20 games dating back to last season and 11-0 in Minute Maid Park against the Mariners.
UIL Announces Schedule for High School Fall Sports
The University Interscholastic League came up with a plan to have fall sports for high schools throughout the state for the upcoming school year. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, most states have had to cancel all fall sports.
Astros Foundation and Dusty Baker partner to distribute 3,000 protective masks to Houston’s homeless
Dusty Baker brings his 50-plus years of baseball knowledge as a player and manager to the Astros, but one of his biggest contribution has been helping Houston get through this global pandemic caused by COVID-19.
It’s Time To Get It On
Astros host the Seattle Mariners on Friday to begin their 2020 MLB season
It may have taken a few extra months, but baseball is finally back in the city of Houston and although there won’t be fans in attendance for the four-game home opener against the Seattle Mariners starting Friday, the excitement is still the same. Fans took to social media to express their love and support for the three-time American League Pennant Champions despite their lack of physical presence in Minute Maid Park.
SWAC postpones fall sports in 2020 with plans to resume in spring 2021
The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused the college sports world to come to a screeching halt and on Monday the Southwestern Athletic Conference was affected when it announced the postponement of all scheduled fall sports along with the SWAC championships. That announcement comes on the heels of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) announcing last Thursday that the league will suspend all sports competition, championship and non-championship segments, for the fall season.
McCullers dominates in exhibition
I have always been taught to appreciate the small things in life and never take anything for granted. Astros starting right-hand pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. has that same mindset heading into the shortened 2020 MLB season. McCullers took the mound on Monday night against the Kansas City Royals in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City and looked like the All-Star pitcher from 2017.
Losing A Legend
Astros manager Dusty Baker shares his sentiments on the passing of Congressman John Lewis
As the United States mourns over the passing of Georgia congressman and civil rights legend John Lewis, Astros manager Dusty Baker who is African American and grew up during a time of segregation had some great words to share with the media as the Astros concluded their work out on Saturday.
Coming Together
Astros hold another scrimmage in preparation for exhibition games next week
The Houston Astros are putting the right pieces into place and are once again coming together like that cohesive unit that we have seen win the American League Pennant for the last three years. For the second time in three days, the Astros held a Team Bagwell vs Team Biggio inter-squad scrimmage that ended in a 3-3 tie game.
For James Harden It’s Business as Usual
A familiar face made its way back to the basketball court on Thursday. To the NBA world it was refreshing to see. For the Houston Rockets it was business as usual. James Harden practiced with the Rockets for the first time in Orlando, Florida at ESPN Walt Disney World and picked up right where he left off the last time the team was together in March.
Rockets: The Good, The Bad & The Bubble
Team Prepare For Completion Of The 2020 NBA Season At Disney Facilities
As the NBA prepares to restart their 2020 NBA season that was cut short by the COVID-19 global pandemic that quarantined individuals including NBA superstars, there has been a plethora of complaints from players not accustomed to what they consider lower standards than what they are used to. There has been videos and post made on social media highlighting the living conditions and the food.
Russell Westbrook reveals he has tested positive for COVID-19
The Houston Rockets were dealt a huge blow today when All-Star guard Russell Westbrook announced that he was diagnosed with the coronavirus before the team departed for Orlando for practice.
Summer Camp Pitcher’s Duel
Astros Ace’s Justin Verlander and Lance McCullers Jr. go against each other in simulated game
A pitcher’s duel of small proportion broke out at Minute Maid Park as 2019 AL Cy-Young Award winner Justin Verlander and 2017 All-Star Lance McCullers pitched in the simulated game held during Summer Camp 2020 in Minute Maid Park.
Houston Astros Face Tough Challenges as MLB
Releases 60-game Regular Season Schedule
Astros fans. Mark your calendars for July 24th as baseball will be returning to Minute Maid Park on that day. Houston will be looking to win their fourth consecutive AL West title and their fourth pennant in franchise history.
Astros resume Summer Camp 2020 after receiving COVID-19 results
The Houston Astros resumed Summer Camp workouts today after cancelling Monday’s practice due to a slow return of COVID-19 test results from the MLB. The players and organization took test this past weekend and with results being delayed they decided not to take any chances by having practice at Minute Maid Park or the University of Houston baseball facilities.
Cha-Ching! Kansas City Chiefs make QB Patrick Mahomes the highest paid player in NFL history
Musical artist Calloway had a major hit record back in 1989 titled, “I Wanna Be Rich.” The chorus of the song was:
Astros Cancel Summer Camp Workouts Due to Delay in COVID-19 Test Results
The Houston Astros cancelled Summer Camp workouts on today due to lack of results from COVID-19 tests that were taken by players and staff on last weekend. The Astros organization has taken very strong precautions to adhere by the rules set in place by Major League Baseball concerning COVID-19 and social distancing.
Sweet Sound
As soon as I stepped off the elevator, I could hear that sweet sound that I had missed for over nine months.
Ready for Relaunch
Rockets prepare for the NBA season to resume
The NBA is preparing to resume its 2019-20 season at the end of this month with 22-teams playing eight games for seeding purposes for the playoffs. Those games are scheduled to take place at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney Resort in Florida.
University of Houston’s Baseball Facilities Will Be Alternate Site For The Houston Astros
Due to the global pandemic associated with COVID-19, the Houston Astros will use the baseball facilities at the University of Houston as an alternate workout site, General Manager James Click announced on Monday.
Let’s Play Ball Finally
Major League Baseball is set to play a 60-game season this year
If 2020 hasn’t taught us anything else, we have learned that nothing is ever done in a normal fashion on a day-to-day basis and this past Tuesday was no different.
Welcome to the Hill: Prairie View A&M University Hires New Director of Athletics
Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) has announced the hiring of Dr. Donald Reed as its new Director of Athletics. He will begin his official duties starting July 15, 2020, and will replace interim Associate Athletic Director Alicia Pete, who has served in the role after former AD Fred Washington resigned in August 2019 for personal reasons.
Say His Name: George Floyd
Many from around the world came to Houston, Texas to say a final goodbye to George Floyd
As I walked inside of the Fountain of Praise sanctuary where the public memorial for George Floyd was being held, a cold, eerie, and chilling feeling came over my body. It caused me to take a pause stopping me in my tracks before I took my next step. I began to replay the audio from the murderous video of the tragic day that Floyd died in an almost nine-minute encounter in my mind.
Amped Up and Ready
J.J. Watt holds press conference to talk to the about the 2020 NFL season
As sports fans in Houston and surrounding areas cling to the possibility of sports returning soon, one of the biggest superstars in “The H” held a press conference via Zoom to reassure fans that he is ready for the season. He also gave a little insight on what he has been doing since being quarantined during this global pandemic (COVID-19).
Bible Verse Helps Texans Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks Drown Out All Of the Outside Noise
Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks wants the fans to know that he is not trying to replace former All-Pro wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins. During a Zoom conference call with the media on Thursday, the former Los Angeles Rams wideout addressed that very issue.
Astros Launch Houston Together T-Shirt Campaign
Net proceeds from T-shirt sales go directly to the Astros Foundation's COVID-19 relief efforts
The Houston Astros organization continues to do their part in helping the citizens of Houston and surrounding areas get through the coronavirus pandemic. They have launched a Houston Together T-shirt campaign with net proceeds from sales going directly to the Astros Foundation and it's COVID-19 relief efforts.
Newest Texan Ross Blacklock Learned Life Lessons From An African American Pioneer, His Dad
As the cameras began to roll in the home of TCU defensive lineman Ross Blacklock, sitting to his left was an older gentleman whose demeanor expressed that of a person who never rattles under pressure and always seems to have control of every situation. That man was former University of Texas basketball star Jimmy Blacklock , his dad.