ANAHEIM -- Carlos Correa has become a force in the Astros' lineup.
What had been somewhat of a subpar sophomore season for the dynamic shortstop -- based on lofty expectations -- has heated up with the summer temperatures, and Correa carried the Astros offensively Tuesday night by going 3-for-4 with a three-run homer and four RBIs in a 7-1 win over the Angels.
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The reigning American League Player of the Week is hitting .355 with a .432 on-base percentage, four homers and 14 RBIs in the last eight games, during which the Astros are 7-1. He's tied with George Springer for the team lead in RBIs with 47.
"He's got a little burst of energy the last 10, 12 days and he's hunting pitches and his productivity has skyrocketed," manager A.J. Hinch said. "He's done a lot of damage with the pitches to hit. He's got a little bounce in his step, obviously, and that comes with confidence and contributing and things like that. He's playing great."
Correa said he's been able to drive the ball really well and take his walks, keying his success. He's hitting .385 with four homers and 15 RBIs in eight games against the Angels this year. He set the tone Tuesday by hitting a three-run homer in the first inning off Tim Lincecum.
"Obviously, when we score early in the game, we have the most success and we give our starting rotation more room for error," Correa said. "Obviously, they want to be able to shut people down, but it's better when you have a comfortable lead."
Correa's homer was the 34th of his career as a shortstop, which puts him one homer shy of tying Adam Everett's team record for the most home runs at the position. Correa figures to soar past that number this season, and nearing the halfway point he could be on his way to the kind of year everybody was expecting from the 21-year-old.