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Houston Texans defeat Indianapolis Colts to clinch first playoff berth since 2019

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Houston Texans defeat Indianapolis Colts to clinch first playoff berth since 2019


The Houston Texans clinched their first playoff spot since 2019 following a 23-19 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday, marking a dramatic turnaround from last season when they finished 3-13.

Reaching the playoffs is a remarkable achievement for head coach DeMeco Ryans and rookie quarterback CJ Stroud in their first season at the helm, as they have stemmed the tide of three seasons of double-digit losses.

They are the first rookie quarterback and first-year head coach duo to advance to the postseason since 2012.

Budding superstar Stroud threw 20-of-26 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns in the victory, while receiver Nico Collins tallied an incredible 195 receiving yards on nine catches to lift the Texans.

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“It means a lot to our guys to get the spotlight today and to come away with a really gritty win,” coach Ryans told reporters afterwards. “It wasn’t our best performance … but the guys stood up, made the plays when we needed to make plays, CJ and Nico stole the show.”

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has had an impressive rookie season. - Zach Bolinger/AP

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has had an impressive rookie season. – Zach Bolinger/AP

The Texans enjoyed the better start, as Stroud connected with Collins for a 75-yard touchdown on the team’s first offensive play of the game to set the tone early, before Andrew Beck’s touchdown in the second quarter stretched their lead and Houston went into the break up 14-6.

However, a 49-yard touchdown run by Colts star Jonathan Taylor – who finished with 188 yards on 30 carries – and a subsequent two-point conversion early in the third quarter tied the game, lacing it with even more tension given that both the Texans and the Colts needed a win to secure a playoff spot.

Both teams exchanged field goals, before Stroud and the Texans overcame several penalties and loss of yardage on a drive that culminated in a Devin Singletary touchdown to take the lead with 6:20 remaining in the game. However, a missed extra point left the door open for an Indianapolis comeback as the scoreline sat at 23-17 in favor of Houston.

On the ensuing drive, the Colts marched down the field to the Texans’ 15-yard line, and needing one more yard on a fourth-and-1, Colts third string running back Tyler Goodson dropped a wide open pass for the turnover on downs.

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“We all have plays that we want back. Just because it’s the last one makes it that much more significant,” Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew said afterwards, according to ESPN. “I told him (Goodson) I’d throw that ball every time. I trust him.”

Stroud finishes the season with over 4,000+ passing yards, becoming the fifth rookie in NFL history to accomplish the feat.

The Texans can still win the AFC South and earn a first-round home game for the first round of the playoffs if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose on Sunday to the Tennessee Titans.

For the Colts, defeat marked the end of their playoff hopes, and they finish the season on 9-8 after suffering three losses in the last five weeks.

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1 dead after shooting on Indy’s near south side

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1 dead after shooting on Indy’s near south side


INDIANAPOLIS — One person died in a shooting on Indy’s near south side on Saturday evening.

According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, officers were called to the 2300 block of S. Pennsylvania Street at approximately 9:45 p.m. on report of a shooting. This is a residential area located near Raymond Street and Madison Avenue.

Officers reported finding an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound outside a residence. The victim was rushed to an area hospital in critical condition, but later was pronounced deceased.

The Marion County Coroner’s Office has not released the deceased’s name at this time.

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Police ask anyone with information about this shooting to contact Detective Kristina Friel at the IMPD Homicide Office at (317) 327-3475 or e-mail the detective at Kristina.Friel@indy.gov. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.



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Pirates farm report for April 18, 2026: Rafael Flores Jr. hits 1st homer in Indianapolis win

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Pirates farm report for April 18, 2026: Rafael Flores Jr. hits 1st homer in Indianapolis win


INDIANAPOLIS (Triple A, 6-14) thumped Omaha (Royals), 11-3. 1B Rafael Flores Jr. (.206) went 2 for 3 with a double, his first home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. LF Tyler Callihan (.239) went 3 for 4 with a double and his first homer, a two-run shot. DH Enmanuel Valdez (.273) went 2 for 4 with his first homer and three runs scored. RF Esmerlyn Valdez (.258) went 2 for 5 with two doubles and a run scored. SS Davis Wendzel (.269) went 1 for 3 with a double, two walks, two runs scored and two RBIs. RHP Carson Fulmer (2-0, 5.51) started, gave up three runs on three hits in five innings and earned the win. RHP Chris Devenski (1.50) and LHP Joe La Sorsa (3.24) each pitched two scoreless innings.

Next: Sunday at Omaha (Royals), 3:05 p.m.

ALTOONA (Double-A, 2-12) had two hits – both solo home runs – and beat Portland (Red Sox), 2-0. LHP Dominic Perachi (1-0, 1.80) started and went six innings, allowing three hits and two walks with three strikeouts. RHP Landon Tomkins (3.38) followed with two scoreless. RHP Jaycob Deese (3.00) worked the ninth for his first save. LF Titus Dumitru (.146) went 1 for 3 with his second homer. C Shawn Ross (.182) went 1 for 3 with his second homer.

Next: Sunday vs. Portland (Red Sox), 1 p.m.

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GREENSBORO (High-A, 10-4) lost 8-3 to Brooklyn (Mets). C Easton Carmichael (.273) went 2 for 4 with an RBI. RF Shalin Polanco (.250) went 1 for 3 with a stolen base and an RBI. 1B Jared Jones (.277) went 2 for 5 with a run scored. RHP Carlson Reed (0-1, 7.36) started, recorded one out and gave up four runs on two hits and four walks. RHP Jose Garces (3.60) pitched two scoreless innings.

Next: Sunday at Brooklyn (Mets), 2 p.m.

BRADENTON (Low-A, 5-9) allowed seven stolen bases in its 6-5 loss to Tampa (Yankees). CF Edward Florentino, starting a rehab assignment as he recovers from an ankle injury, went 1 for 3 with a walk, double and run scored. LHP Reinold Navarro (6.43) started and gave up three hits, four walks and two earned runs over three innings while striking out five. SS/1B Eddie Rynders (.128) went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. DH Edgleen Perez (.238) went 1 for 4 and drove in two runs. LF/CF Josh Tate (.208) went 2 for 5 with an RBI. 2B/SS Antonio Pimentel (.154) went 2 for 4 with a double. RHP Greiber Mendez (5.40) and RHP Noah Murdock (0-1, 9.00), who took the loss, each gave up two hits and one run in one inning. RHP Treyson Peters pitched the final three innings, allowing five hits, one earned run and one walk while striking out two.

Next: Sunday at Tampa (Yankees), noon

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The Zone Extra | April 18, 2026

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The Zone Extra | April 18, 2026


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It was another busy week in high school sports in central Indiana and ‘The Zone Extra’ has it all covered.

Athlete of the week and Guerin Catholic senior outfielder Ian Taylor is off to a scorching hot start to the young season. Check out his interview as well as Guerin Catholic head coach Dave Schrage talk about Taylor’s success.

The Johnson County baseball tournament came to a close. See highlights from Center Grove’s tournament victory.

The 4A baseball coaches poll was released as well as the 3A softball coaches poll.

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The former Columbus North gymnastics coach, John Hinds, passed away at 88 years old.

Center Grove head softball coach Alyssa Coleman joins the show for a coaches corner conversation.

See highlights from the Colts Local Pro Day, featuring several former Hoosiers and Purdue’s Devin Mockobee.

Girls lacrosse is in the first season as an IHSAA emerging sport.

All of that, and more, can be found in the full The Zone Extra show above.

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