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HOUSTON -- It seemed only a matter of time before the odds finally worked against the Astros in their season series against the Angels, who entered Thursday having dropped 11 consecutive games against Houston.In the opener of the penultimate series between the American League West rivals, the Astros (81-72) wasted a second consecutive solid pitching performance from right-hander Mike Fiers. The Angels rode a first-inning home run from Albert Pujols to a 2-0 victory and just their second win over the Astros in 13 meetings this season.The Astros inconsistent starting pitching carried them through a six-game road trip in which they won five times, but the one weak link of late was responsible for that lone loss in Seattle and will take the mound on Friday night looking to even the series against the Angels (67-86).Astros right-hander Doug Fister (12-12, 4.45 ERA) has suffered through a miserable final month, going 0-3 with a 12.42 ERA over four starts. Fister, 3-3 with a 2.72 ERA in his career against the Angels, had been the Astros most consistent starter this season before cratering in September. With Fister lasting at least five innings only once in his last five appearances, an early hook is certainly in play.Ive gone with that model the whole (month of) September, Astros manager A.J. Hinch said of having starters on a short leash. I want to get these guys in a position to hand the ball to the bullpen in a good spot. Dougs a pro. Hes been really good for us at times this year. Hes had a couple times where he hasnt been as good. I know recently his performance hasnt been up to his standards.Its all hands on deck the entire month of September. Doesnt mean he (Fister) cant last five, six or seven innings.Angels right-hander Alex Meyer (1-3, 5.63 ERA) will make his sixth appearance and fifth start of the season. Acquired from Minnesota on Aug. 1 along with right-hander Ricky Nolasco, who won the series opener with seven shutout innings of work, Meyer earned his first career win on Sunday against the Blue Jays after tossing five scoreless innings in a 4-0 victory.Meyer fanned seven batters in his outing, setting a career high along with his innings pitched. After struggling in two appearances with the Twins to the tune of an 0-1 record and 12.27 ERA, including a May 3 start against the Astros where he surrendered three runs on three hits and three walks over 2 2/3 innings, Meyer is showing signs of settling in with the Angels, his third professional organization.Hopefully more of the same of what hes thrown the last couple outings, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said of Meyer, who was selected by the Washington Nationals in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2011 draft. Weve seen a big arm, weve seen a guy that spins the ball well. I think hes finding a consistent arm slot and release point and through all this process of where Alex is right now, hes in the process of finding himself again.Hopefully well continue to see that continued growth moving forward of what hes been doing since hes been here. Clearance Nike Shoes From China . LOUIS -- Rookie Tavon Austin has missed another day of practice, lessening the odds hell be ready for the St. Nike Shoes China . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain. https://www.nikeshoeschina.us/ . They were putting most of their energy into a record-setting offensive display. Fake Nike Shoes . The Celtics closed out their first preseason under Stevens on Wednesday night with a 101-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, who rested a lot of their lineup including former Celtics Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. Nike Shoes From China Outlet .2 billion agreement with Rogers Communications for the leagues broadcast and multimedia rights. Hollywood talent agency WME-IMG has enlisted a group of celebrities -- at a minimum investment of $250,000 each, sources told ESPNs Darren Rovell -- to help finance its recent $4 billion acquisition of the UFC.On Thursday, late night talk show host Conan OBrien, a client of WME-IMG, announced a small ownership stake in the UFC. Others announced Friday include Ben Affleck, Tom Brady, Robert Kraft, Mark Wahlberg, Adam Levine, Cam Newton, Serena Williams,?Venus Williams,?Maria Sharapova, The Weeknd, Anthony Kiedis, Flea,?Li Na,?Guy Fieri, Calvin Harris, LL Cool J, Michael Bay, Trey Parker, Tyler Perry, Jimmy Kimmel, Rob Dyrdek?and Sylvester Stallone.According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, WME-IMG co-CEO Ari Emanuel enlisted celebrities he knew to be fans of the sport to join the UFC ownership group. Terms of the investments were not disclosed.Expanding our ownershhip group to include this caliber of talent and entrepreneurs is a strong indicator of UFCs fast-growing global presence, UFC president Dana White said Friday in a statement.dddddddddddd Our new investors bring an incredible depth of knowledge and experience to help us continue to elevate this brand and capitalize on its entertainment and sports crossover appeal.In addition to investments, the celebrity group will likely help market the UFC. Emanuel told WSJ, I think its a mainstream sport now.The UFC announced it had been sold for more than $4 billion in July. It marked the largest single financial transaction in sports history.The previous controlling owners, brothers Lorenzo and Frank Fertitta, purchased the company in 2001 for $2 million. ' ' '