Carlos Correa, after a winding offseason journey that landed him back in Minnesota, started the season slowly. However, his hitting prowess is finally emerging, much to the dismay of Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams.
In a thrilling Tuesday night game, Correa smashed a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth, completing a four-run rally against the typically unhittable Williams and securing a 7-5 victory for the Twins.
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli praised Correa's consistent demeanor and leadership, highlighting his ability to handle both triumphs and struggles with equanimity.
Correa's game-winning blast came off a changeup from Williams, sending the ball soaring into the second deck. The dramatic home run evoked memories of Correa's postseason heroics with the Houston Astros in 2021, complete with his signature wrist-tap celebration.
Williams, who suffered his first blown save in 11 opportunities, admitted to an off night, seeing his impressive 0.42 ERA rise to 2.08. The Brewers' closer gave up a leadoff homer to Michael A. Taylor, walked Edouard Julien, and then allowed a stolen base by pinch-runner Willi Castro, who scored the tying run on Donovan Solano's single. This sequence set the stage for Correa's heroics.
Julien expressed his awe at Correa's celebratory gesture, calling it one of the coolest moments he's witnessed on a baseball field.
Williams surrendered two home runs in a game for the first time in his MLB career. The Brewers, who entered the game with a remarkable 28-1 record when leading after eight innings, saw their losing streak extend to five games. Despite Christian Yelich's home run and season-high four RBIs, the Brewers couldn't hold on to their lead.
Correa and Solano combined for five RBIs for the Twins, who have shown offensive firepower with 22 runs in their last three games. While they loaded the bases in the eighth, Joey Gallo, recently activated from the injured list, struck out to end the threat.
Correa, whose batting average has climbed to .217, noted a palpable shift in the team’s energy and confidence, particularly at the plate.
Yelich, who had struggled to drive in runs recently, broke out with three hits, including a two-run double and a two-run homer that gave the Brewers a 5-2 lead in the seventh.
Brewers starter Corbin Burnes, coming off an eight-inning shutout performance, exited the game after surrendering a leadoff home run in the seventh. Twins starter Pablo López pitched six innings, striking out nine. Josh Winder earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief.
Brewers manager Craig Counsell returned to the dugout after attending his son's high school graduation and subsequent state baseball tournament game.
The Brewers added recently released outfielder Raimel Tapia to their roster in Minnesota. Tapia, a career .276 hitter, played 39 games for Boston this season.
Brewers left-hander Wade Miley, sidelined with a shoulder strain, is expected to return to the rotation on Saturday against Pittsburgh.
Twins right-hander Kenta Maeda, recovering from a triceps strain, is scheduled for at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Twins.
The two-game series concludes Wednesday afternoon with Brewers' Colin Rea facing Twins' Bailey Ober.
