Clutch Correa blast gives Astros win in getaway game

Photo courtesy of Harry How/Getty Images

Contract Correa has officially arrived.

Shortstop Carlos Correa's clutch two-run home run in the ninth inning proved to be enough to push the Astros to a 4-2 victory over the Angels on Tuesday afternoon.

Correa, who had been off to a pedestrian start in the midst of Houston's hitting party in their earlier Oakland series, seemed to save his best swings for a last, a habit he admits to enjoying.

"I like hitting late in the game when the game is on the line," Correa said after the game. "That’s when I feel sexy."

It certainly was a sexy swing to give the Astros the lead late -- an opposite field shot off of the wall in right field.

Correa, playing in the final year of his contract before free agency, has firmly put contract negotiations in the back of his mind in favor of playing out the current season. Correa commented on the energy in the Astros' clubhouse. "It’s only one week, but … the boys are feeling good, and the vibe is great. I’m just proud of this group of guys."

It was a great all-around performance for the Astros, who came out as winners in their first low-scoring affair of the new season. Zack Greinke pitched a great game, allowing only two runs in seven innings to go along with four strikeouts.

Closer Ryan Pressly shut the door by himself, finishing the final two innings by allowing only one batter above the minimum in a stress-free outing.

The Astros, in their first road trip of the season, went 5-1 in two hostile environments, showcasing a plethora of offensive fireworks. That Correa got in on the action bodes well for the Astros moving forward, a sentiment Dusty Baker agrees with.

"This is early in the season -- you come in and out of your swing until you find your groove... [Correa] found it today at the right time."

Houston will return home for their first home series of the season, which will be played against the Oakland A's. Cristian Javier will toe the bump for the team's first game of the series, against Oakland's Cole Irvin. First pitch is scheduled for 7 PM CT.