High-pressure situations don't bother Correa

June 22nd, 2016

HOUSTON -- A high-pressure moment with the game on the line doesn't bother the Astros' Carlos Correa. In fact, he lives for it.
"I want to be in that situation every day," Correa said. "To feel that pressure, that drives me. I feel comfortable in that situation."
For the third time this season, the 21-year-old shortstop had an opportunity to win the game with his bat and took advantage of it.
This time, it was Tuesday night against the Angels. Facing a full count with the bases loaded and no outs in the ninth inning, Correa drilled a two-run, walk-off single to right-center field that gave the Astros a 3-2 win and put the club back at .500 for the first time since April 6.
It was Correa's third walk-off hit this season, the most in the Major Leagues.
"I don't know if I believe in clutch hitters or not," Astros starting pitcher Collin McHugh said, "but he's starting to make a believer out of me."

Manager A.J. Hinch said Correa's collected approach is a big reason why he succeeds in those big moments.
"He's very calm, and he's very confident," Hinch said. "I don't care what the scoreboard says. I don't care where people think his numbers should be or where they're not or where they are. With the game on the line, he's going to get a good pitch to hit, and he's going to put a good at-bat together."
Correa has totaled three home runs and seven RBIs during the Astros homestand, batting .333 during that stretch. He's also hitting the ball with more power after going nine straight games without a hit for extra bases before Monday.
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Along with Tuesday's game-winner, Correa made history in the bottom of the fifth. His solo homer to cut the Angels' lead to 2-1 was his 32nd as a shortstop, giving him sole possession of the second-most in club history at that position. He entered Tuesday night tied with Dickie Thon after hitting No. 31 Monday night.
Correa is now four home runs as a shortstop away from overtaking Adam Everett's franchise record of 35. Everett played for Houston from 2001-2007.
Not bad for a guy who hasn't even turned 22 yet.
"Whatever Carlos Correa does never surprises me," Hinch said, "but his calmness in the big moments is starting to be a habit."