Astros need to thrive in the seventh inning once again

Throughout the season the Houston Astros had very successful late innings, six through nine to be exact. The Astros, in particular, have put together amazing the eighth innings, hitting .261 with 29 home runs and 89 RBI.

That’s five points above their seventh through ninth inning average, while 22 is the next highest home run total in the seventh inning.

The postseason has changed everything. Now, the Astros are seventh inning stars, especially Carlos Correa.

The Astros are hitting .286 in the seventh inning this postseason going 8-for-28 with two home runs. Not only did the Astros rock the Chicago White Sox for five runs in Game 2 of the American League Division Series, but again they took the lead in Game 1 of the American League Champion Series versus the Boston Red Sox for good with a Correa home run.

Needless to say, Houston’s postseason experience has pushed their opponents bullpen to the max, hitting well in the seventh and pressuring teams to make tough outs late in games.

The ball club not only owns the seventh inning, but Correa has been lights out in the seventh this postseason. To date, Correa is 3-for-3 with a home run, double, single and a walk, along with three RBI.

Opposing teams should shake in fear of the outcome if Correa comes to the plate in the seventh. At the worst, in their minds, the Astros will score runs that inning and at the least it’s more runners on base to continue putting pressure on the bullpen.

Correa’s go ahead home run and double should be enough for the Astros to work hard to re-sign him this offseason, as he is the most clutch and highest productional player in October right now. Let this be a warning to opposing pitchers and teams, as the seventh inning is the Astros kingdom and Correa is the king.