The Minnesota Twins have taken a 2-0 lead in the American League Division Series against the Houston Astros, thanks to the stellar performance and leadership of their star shortstop Carlos Correa. The former Astro, who signed a six-year, $200 million contract with the Twins in the offseason, has been a key factor in the Twins’ success in the postseason.
Correa delivers clutch hits and defensive plays
In the four playoff games so far, Correa has been a force at the plate and in the field. He has five hits in eight at-bats with three doubles and three RBI against his former team in the ALDS. He also made some heads-up defensive plays, such as throwing out a runner at the plate in Game 1 of the wild-card round against Toronto, and orchestrating a key pickoff play to help Sonny Gray out of a jam in Game 2.
Correa’s clutch hitting and defense have given the Twins an edge over the Astros, who are the defending World Series champions and have a formidable lineup and pitching staff. Correa said he knows what it takes to win in October, having won a ring with the Astros in 2017 and reaching the ALCS four times.
“I’ve been on both sides of this,” Correa said after winning Game 2 in Houston. “I know what happens when they lose a game. I know how they’re going to come out tomorrow. I know how they’re going to play. I know their mentality. So I’m just trying to share that with my teammates and make sure we’re ready for every single pitch.”
Correa inspires his teammates with his intangibles
Correa’s teammates have praised him for his leadership and intangibles, which have helped them overcome their lack of playoff experience. The Twins have not won a postseason series since 2002, and many of their players are making their playoff debut this year.
Correa has been a mentor and a motivator for his fellow Twins, offering advice and encouragement throughout the games. He has also been a source of information, sharing his insights on the Astros’ tendencies and strategies.
“Carlos is a special human. A special talent in his thinking. He gives us heads-ups in every situation,” said Donovan Solano, who hit a two-run homer in Game 2. “He’s thinking a lot. He lives for this.”
Pablo López, who pitched seven scoreless innings in Game 2, said Correa kept him focused and confident on the mound.
“He kept telling me, ‘Think about it as a 0-0 game. You’re the closer of every inning,’” López said. “There are a lot of things that no one can see that he does. He keeps you on the attack. He keeps you engaged in the game.”
Correa aims to continue his postseason dominance
Correa has a career .298 batting average with 18 home runs and 63 RBI in 72 postseason games, ranking among the all-time leaders in several categories. He has also hit some memorable homers, such as the walk-off blast in Game 5 of the 2017 World Series, and the game-tying shot in Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS.
Correa said he enjoys playing under pressure and rising to the occasion.
“I love it. I love it,” he said. “This is why we play the game of baseball. This is why we work so hard in the offseason, to be able to contribute to your team in these big moments.”
The Twins will try to close out the series on Tuesday at Target Field, where they will face Astros ace Zack Greinke. Correa said he expects a tough challenge from his former teammate, but he is confident that the Twins can pull off the upset.
“We’re not done yet,” he said. “We’ve got to go out there and finish it.”
