Kemp's triple in 13th gives Astros needed jolt

May 25th, 2016

HOUSTON -- That's the kind of spark the Astros want Tony Kemp to provide.
Kemp, the 5-foot-6 left fielder making his fourth career start, ignited a game-winning rally in the 13th inning when he led off with a triple and scored on a Carlos Correa single in the Astros' 3-2 walk-off win over the Orioles on Tuesday night at Minute Maid Park.
"I was just trying to put a good swing on the ball and luckily it went over [Adam] Jones' head and luckily we were able to win the game with Carlos' hit," said Kemp, who was 0-for-3 with a walk prior to the triple.
"You dream about stuff like that. Being a part of a win like that, especially a walk-off win, our guys stayed in the game the whole time and we stayed positive, and in that 13th inning we were able to get that hit and get that run and get that win and hopefully tomorrow we can come back and do the same thing."

Kemp, who's not known for his power, led off the 13th with a shot over the head of Jones and up against the wall in center. He made it to third easily and then watched as the Orioles intentionally walked George Springer and Jose Altuve to load the bases for Correa.
"He was playing pretty shallow," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said of Jones. "Tony has a more singles-and-doubles approach. He doesn't drive the ball a ton, but he played pretty shallow and Tony got a good ball to center field and the ball kept carrying, so I'm glad he was playing as shallow as he was.
"Jones is one of the best center fielders around and it's difficult to find him out of position on any ball. To play that shallow, they're taking away singles and risking the extra-base hit, and Tony really delivered."
Kemp, who hadn't had a hit since going 2-for-3 in his first Major League start Wednesday in Chicago against the White Sox, said he didn't blame Jones for playing so shallow.
"I can't really blame him," he said. "You see a guy like me come up to the plate, I'd do the same thing if I were the manager."