Carlos Correa credits 1 Astros player for key role in win over Twins

Jul 23, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (4) looks into the crowd from the dugout during the seventh inning in a game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Correa’s former team beat his current team in the American League Division Series, and the star shortstop credited one of his former teammates as being a huge factor in the outcome.

Correa said Astros catcher Martin Maldonado was a key part of why Houston was able to beat the Twins in four games. According to Correa, Maldonado’s extensive knowledge of opposing hitters and their weaknesses was a major factor.

“He knows every hitter’s weaknesses,” Correa said, via Jaime E. Galvan of KHOU. “We’ve just got to get better, and we’ve got to have a better plan. There’s a lot of things that could’ve gone better for us, and they didn’t. That’s why we’re here right now talking about this loss.”

The Astros’ pitching staff locked down the Twins, particularly after the series shifted to Minnesota for Games 3 and 4. The Twins scored just three combined runs in those two games, both of which they lost. This is one reason why the Astros are so loyal to Maldonado, who does not contribute much on offense but is highly regarded for his handling of the team’s pitching staff.

The Twins benefitted from some big errors to get to the ALDS. Houston did not make the same mistakes, and now the Astros are the ones moving on.