Can the Texans take the next step this season? Composite image by Jack Brame.
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud joins First Take on Tuesday and shares his outlook for the season with Molly Qerim and Stephen A. Smith.
One of the biggest factors that could swing the Texans season has to be the rebuilt offensive line. Stroud was the second-most sacked quarterback last season, and Houston knew that had to change.
Smith asked Stroud about the revamped unit, and CJ had really good things to say about the tackle play with rookie Aireontae Ersery and Tytus Howard.
Stroud also credits the new scheme, believing the changes they're making will prevent some of the issues from last year from happening again. Specially, they're looking to get the ball out quicker and move the pocket to give the linemen more help.
Finally, Stroud discussed the new-look receiving corps, and how the Texans will replace Joe Mixon early in the season.
Don't miss the video below for the full conversation!
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Gunnar Henderson and Luis Vázquez homered and Trevor Rogers worked seven strong innings as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Houston Astros 3-2 on Sunday to avoid a series sweep.
Rogers (7-2) allowed five hits and three walks and struck out nine. The 27-year-old left-hander moved past two Hall of Famers with his 1.40 ERA through the first 13 starts of a season. Hoyt Wilhelm set the club record with a 1.50 ERA in 1959, and was followed by Jim Palmer’s 1.55 ERA in 1975.Keegan Akin struck out three in 1 2/3 scoreless innings for his third save.
Henderson hit his 16th homer, a solo shot off Spencer Arrighetti (1-5) in the first, to give Baltimore the lead. Ryan Mountcastle had an RBI single in the sixth and Vázquez made it 3-1 in the seventh with his first big league homer.
Arrighetti gave up two runs on six hits in 5 2/3 innings. John Rooney relieved Arrighetti in his debut and allowed a run in 1 1/3 innings. Craig Kimbrel struck out two in a scoreless inning in his first game with the Astros.
Jeremy Peña had an RBI single in the third and Victor Caratini drove in a run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth for Houston.
Key moment
Akin entered with one out and the bases loaded in the seventh and allowed only the sac fly to preserve the lead.
Key stat
Arrighetti retired 15 batters in a row following his four-hit first inning.
Up next
Tomoyuki Sugano (10-5, 3.97) gets the start for the Orioles in a home series opener against the Red Sox on Monday.
The Astros turn to Hunter Brown (10-5, 2.36) to lead off a series against the Rockies on Tuesday.
