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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.
Hostile Crowd Fuels Astros Victory
The Astros were able to block out all the distractions including inflatable trash cans, beer cans, and even foul balls being thrown on the field, to defeat the Dodgers 3-0 behind a brilliant game pitched by Lance McCullers Jr. who allowed only four hits and struck out nine batters on the night to get the win.
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.
Best Unkept Secret
Texans Sign Undrafted Free Agent Scottie Phillips
The Houston Texans signed undrafted free agent running back Scottie Phillips at the conclusion of the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Ole Miss standout will be a steal if he can contribute on special teams while learning the Tim Kelly led offense.
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.
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.
Texans Add Notch to Victory Belt
Houston defeats Cleveland and records 9th victory in a row
For all Houston fans, that phrase should have become very familiar to you over the last nine weeks. This past Sunday, the Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 29 – 13 to extend their winning streak to 9 games and improve their lead in the AFC South to 3 games.
The Wait Is Over: Astros Win The American League West Division Title
As the Houston Astros players celebrated their 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the 2021American League West Division title on Thursday night, it felt like the entire city of Houston breathed a sigh of relief.
Josh Christopher takes advantage of first NBA career start
"D.J. Augustin had told me before they wrote it on the board," Christopher said jokingly. "I was like, 'Oh, OK.' I didn't have my contacts in, so I was like, 'Does it say J.C.?' It did so a little excitement but more ready to go, like 'Boom, we're here, let's go win a game.'"
Groundhog Day: Astros Continue Their Winning Ways On Ring Ceremony Night
In 1993, a movie came out about a weatherman who was sent to cover an annual Groundhog Day ceremony. A crowd gathers and waits for the groundhog to come out and predict the weather for the next six weeks. In the movie, the weatherman keeps reliving the same day over and over again.
Welcome to H-Town
Houston Rockets hold press conference to introduce Russell Westbrook
The “Brodie” era has officially begun in Houston. Russell Westbrook was introduced on Friday after being traded to Houston from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Paul and two first-round picks in 2024 and 2026 with the rights to two first-round swaps in 2021 and 2025. The 2016-17 MVP was introduced by Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey who could hardly contain his excitement knowing that he had brokered a deal that could potentially bring the city of Houston another NBA championship.
All In A Day’s Work: Life of An NFL Agent On Draft Day
The NFL recently held its annual job fair. Like most hiring processes, applicants presented their best self, polished up their resume, bragged on their skill set, and prayed for the best. Some people got hired because they were skilled and interviewed well, while others didn’t get the job for various reasons.
Texans Find Themselves at a Crossroad Against the Bears
As the Houston Texans prepare to take on the Chicago Bears this weekend a lot will be made on why the Bears did not use their draft pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to take Deshaun Watson. The Houston Texans ended up taking Watson after they made a trade to move up to get the quarterback out of Clemson. Yet, I feel the more important question should be, "How will the Texans finish out the season?"
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.
Good Competition: Astros defeat the Indians behind a dominant pitching performance from Gerrit Cole
If you grew up in a house with siblings who played sports, you are very familiar with the competition. Back in 1982, former NBA player Reggie Miller came home from a high school game excited and elated about the 39 points he scored in his basketball game. Now for any other family that would have been great, but not for a family that contained future NCAA champion in women’s basketball, Cheryl Miller.
Astros Fever: Verlander sets the tone as the Astros defeat the Indians in Game 1 of the 2018 ALDS
“Well, I started to feel a little sick a couple of days ago when they announced that the game would start at 1 pm today. So, When I woke up this morning, I just couldn’t make it to school. I mean (a dramatic cough), you know (another dramatic cough), I didn’t think it was a good idea to spread what I had to other kids,” said the 10-year old who shall remain nameless to protect his identity. Well, that and if I tell on him I will have to tell on the large number of adults and other children who I guess mysteriously caught the same bug going around Houston and surrounding areas this time of year.
Houston Rockets Select Auburn Forward Jabari Smith Jr. Third Overall In The 2022 NBA Draft
The Houston Rockets were in a win-win situation, waiting to select their pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. After Duke forward Paolo Banchero was chosen with the number one overall pick by the Orlando Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder took Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren second, putting the Rockets on the clock.
Happy to Be Home: Astros sweep A’s and Yankees to go 6-0 at Minute Maid Park
Back in the summer of 2011, I was deployed in Kabul, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. When you are scheduled to be in a warzone for a certain amount of time, the military grants you leave, which is a vacation in civilian terms.
With The 23rd Pick in the 2019 NFL Draft the Houston Texans Select: Tytus Howard
"Our scouts were on him as early as August," said Texans General Manager Brian Gaine as he addressed the media after the completion of the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Houston selected offensive tackle Tytus Howard out of Alabama State with the 23rd pick and Howard was elated about the team giving him an opportunity to play on the next level.
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.
