INTRODUCING INNOVATIONMAP

Introducing InnovationMap: The new media outlet covering what's igniting change in Houston

CultureMap Staff

Nov 15, 2018, 2:35 pm

InnovationMap tells the stories of innovation in Houston. Courtesy graphic

Houston innovation is now on the map. Gow Media, a leading multi-platform media company that includes CultureMap, SportsMap, Houston's ESPN 97.5 FM, and SB Nation Radio, has announced the launch of its newest digital media platform, InnovationMap.

As the new voice of innovation in Houston, InnovationMap shines a spotlight on innovation within startups, tech, health, energy, social impact, and more. In addition to thoughtful news coverage, the site will feature profiles of leaders within the industry and thought leadership content from a pool of expert guest contributors.

"Houston is on a great trajectory. The efforts of many are coming together to develop a strong entrepreneurial and innovation economy. We think the time is right for a media outlet that focuses on innovation in Houston. We also want to highlight the vision of our presenting sponsor, BBVA Compass, a longtime leader of the innovation economy in Houston," says David Gow, CEO of Gow Media.

Joining Gow on the board of InnovationMap are Patrick Schneidau, software executive and chair of the Talent Committee of Houston Exponential; Brad Deutser, CEO of Deutser Consulting and author of the book Leading Clarity; and Jarred King, CEO of Swagger Media and president of Entrepreneurs' Organization in Houston.

Gow Media has tapped Natalie Harms to serve as editor of InnovationMap. Harms is a native Houstonian, graduate of the University of Houston, and former associate editor at the Houston Business Journal.

The new media outlet was recently celebrated at a private pre-launch party hosted by Gow. An intimate group of Houston leaders across industries gathered to toast to the future of innovation in the city — and to get an exclusive first look at the site.

InnovationMap is the second recent addition to Gow Media’s ever-growing portfolio. In October, the company launched GiftingMap, a new e-commerce site featuring a curated selection of gifts with a focus on brands tied to Texas.

"With the growth of GiftingMap and SportsMap, and the impressive success of CultureMap, we are now in a position to launch InnovationMap. With InnovationMap, we are leveraging our digital platform, editorial approach, and our cross-platform promotional power to establish the leading voice for innovation in Houston," says Gow.

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Houston dropped two of three

Astros drop series finale to Oakland, A's win series

Jose Urquidy couldn't hold Oakland back on Saturday. Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images

With Oakland finally ending their drought against the Astros on Friday night to split the first two games of the series, and with the Angels staying in step with them as both teams started the day 6-2, the Astros needed a win to keep momentum in their favor on Saturday.

Instead, Oakland would outslug Houston once again to take the series finale and take the series win. The loss moves Houston to 6-3 and down to second place, at least for now, until the 6-2 Angels complete their game on Saturday evening.

Final Score: A's 7, Astros 3

Astros' Record: 6-3, second in AL West

Winning Pitcher: Frankie Montas (1-1)

Losing Pitcher: Jose Urquidy (0-1)

Urquidy gives up four over six

Much like the night before, Oakland was able to bring in runs against Houston's starter, this time Jose Urquidy, Saturday afternoon in their second time through the order. Their first time through, Urquidy was cruising, allowing just one baserunner in the first three innings on a single in the top of the third.

Things shifted in the top of the fourth, with the A's getting back-to-back singles to set the stage for a two-run frame with dual RBI-singles to take a 2-0 lead. Oakland doubled that in the fifth, getting a two-out single to set up a two-run homer by Ramon Laureano to make it 4-0. Urquidy would go on to finish six innings, but with no run support to that point, would leave in line for the loss. His final line: 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 93 P.

A's pad their lead before Houston gets on the board

Meanwhile, although getting five hits, the Astros could not get anything on the board against Frankie Montas through six innings. Brandon Bielak took over out of the bullpen for Urquidy in the top of the seventh, but after loading the bases, he would allow a dagger two-RBI single to make it a 6-0 deficit for Houston.

With Montas starting the seventh looking to face a batter or two before Oakland moved to their bullpen, Kyle Tucker would finally get Houston on the board with a leadoff solo home run, cutting the lead to 6-1 and ending Montas' day. Houston would get a two-out rally going, with an RBI-double by Jose Altuve followed by an RBI-triple by Michael Brantley to make it a three-run game at 6-3.

Oakland takes the series win

Ryne Stanek tried to keep it a three-run game and give the Astros a chance to stay in it in the top of the eighth but instead would give up a two-out solo home run to push Oakland's lead back to four. That 7-3 score would go final as Houston would go scoreless in the eighth and ninth.

Up Next: Houston will have a day off on Sunday before continuing this homestand Monday night by welcoming in Detroit and former manager A.J. Hinch for three games. In the series opener, the Tigers will send young star Casey Mize (0-0, 2.25 ERA) to the mound, while the Astros will get another start by Zack Greinke (1-0, 1.38 ERA).

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