Houston Astros fall in Carlos Correa’s big league debut

Correa records first hit, RBI in loss

Today has been a day that the Houston Astros and their fans have been waiting for, but the outcome isn’t necessarily what they had in mind. Top prospect Carlos Correa made his big league debut, recording his first hit and RBI in a losing effort, falling 3-1 to the Chicago White Sox.

The weather in Chicago forced multiple rain delay’s – one before the game then another during. With Lance McCullers on the mound, Chicago was able to get on the board first in the second inning thanks to a key mishap by the left fielder, Jonathan Villar.

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Villar attempted to make a leaping grab at the wall on a hard hit ball by designated hitter, Adam LaRoche but had it bounce out of his glove and fall safely into the grass. LaRoche rounded first base, placing himself in scoring position to lead off the inning.

Outfielder Melky Cabrera later connected on an RBI single to center field, driving in the veteran lefty to give Chicago the 1-0 lead.

Both pitchers worked quality starts as McCullers (2-1, 2.32 ERA) pushed through seven frames, allowing three earned runs on four hits, including a two-run homer while recording seven strikeouts.

His counterpart, Chris Sale (6-2, 3.04 ERA), worked through the eighth inning prior to handing things over to David Robertson during the top half of the ninth. Sale had himself a fantastic outing, recording 14 strikeouts while holding Houston to just one earned run on five hits.

He was able to get Correa to pop out in foul territory during his career at-bat but later gave up his first hit and RBI. Correa singled on a ground ball to shortstop Alexei Ramirez, pushing Villar across to score that tied things up at one apiece.

Houston’s rookie was originally called out on the throw by Ramirez until manager A.J. Hinch called for a review. After the review, it was revealed that Correa was able to beat out the throw by at least a half a second, resulting in the call being overturned.

Shortly after his family and teammates were done celebrating, Avisail Garcia hit what would eventually turn out to be the game-winning two-run shot to right field, driving in slugger Jose Abreu along with him.

Despite the five-game losing streak, Houston still has a three-game lead in the N.L. West. They’ll continue their road trip with game two of this three-game set tomorrow evening.

Next: Astros Select Daz Cameron