Baseball players dream of driving home the game-winning run, but few sports-related events can prove sweeter in the following moments. Houston Astros top prospect Carlos Correa is one of the rare exceptions to experience something even more exciting.
A shortstop for the organization’s Triple-A affiliate, Correa hit a game-winning sacrifice fly to give the Fresno Grizzlies a 15-14 victory over the Reno Aces on Sunday. After the game, the shortstop received the news that he’d earned a spot on the Astros.
Jose de Jesus Ortiz of the Houston Chronicle reported Correa had been called up, and Mark Berman of Fox 26 added the 20-year-old’s reaction:
Carlos Correa:"I couldn't believe it. The game was over. I hit a walk-off sac fly to finish the game & then he told me & I was just shocked"
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) June 8, 2015
Drafted first overall in 2012, Correa forewent college at the University of Miami, signed a professional contract and steadily advanced through the minor leagues. Heading into this season, Baseball America considered him the No. 4 overall prospect.
Correa batted .385 for the Double-A Corpus Christi Hooks before being promoted to Triple-A Fresno, where he hit .266 in 23 games. He stole 18 bases in 19 combined attempts at the two levels and committed five errors in 217 chances.
Unsurprisingly, Houston is excited about Correa’s potential.
"There are no limitations of what Carlos Correa could be," Luhnow said.
— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) June 8, 2015
Correa is expected to make his MLB debut Monday, June 8, against the Chicago White Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. ET at U.S. Cellular Field.
Photo: USA Today Sports