HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 30: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros reacts after striking out against the Washington Nationals during the eighth inning in Game Seven of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 30, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Carlos Correa was drilled with a pitch, and Oakland Athletics fans absolutely loved it.
The Houston Astros likely don’t have to worry about retribution from rival players over the sign-stealing scandal at this juncture — that seemed to take care of itself last season (ala Joe Kelly). However, fans are sure to let the Astros have it in their first true road tests in front of a semi-full stadium since a report proved they cheated on their way to the 2017 World Series.
On Thursday night, Oakland Athletics fans laid into the Astros as they were introduced for Opening Day. Later in the game, Chris Bassitt drilled shortstop Carlos Correa with a fastball, and A’s fans absolutely loved it.
Carlos Correa is an easy target for rival fans
Correa is one of the only remaining holdovers from the Astros 2017 World Series team. Not only that, he helped Houston embrace the role of the villain on the way to the 2020 ALCS. The Astros were one game away from another pennant.
The Astros shortstop has enough on his mind at the moment, as contract talks with the Astros have fully broken down with the 26-year-old expected to hit free agency this offseason. He’ll quietly take his base, and thanks A’s fans for the extra motivation.