The Houston Astros were outright dominated in Game 6 of the Major League Baseball World Series. Despite this costly defeat which deprives them of a championship, Dusty Baker’s men do not intend to ruminate for long in their corner.
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“I would first like to congratulate Brian Snitker, the Braves and the City of Atlanta,” the manager began at a post-game press conference on Tuesday night. We must continue to work. It gives us more motivation for next year. It’s hard to take now, but it will pass … It’s hard, but it’s over. ”
By all accounts, it was the Braves pitchers who played the biggest role in the Braves’ 7-0 win. Starter Max Fried gave just four hits in six innings of work, in addition to striking out six Astros hitters. Houston had its hands full!
“Fried was dominant. They muzzled us. I don’t think it was a problem with our guys. It was just their way of making their shots, ”argued shortstop Carlos Correa.
Beyond the efforts of Fried or relievers Tyler Matzek and Will Smith, the Braves delivered a complete performance. Jorge Soler, Dansby Swanson and Freddie Freeman all kicked out of bounds.
“They played very well. We couldn’t keep the balls in the stadium, Baker confessed. Their launchers shut us down completely. […] No one complained or made an apology. I won’t do that either. We got dominated tonight. ”
“First of all, we have to give them a ton of credit. They were amazing. They launched very well. They hit well and played well on defense, ”added third cushion player Alex Bregman.
Repeated success
Since 2017, the Astros have extended their playoff season every year. They also won the first championship in their history that year, before suffering two World Series defeats in 2019 and 2021.
The Texan side have the potential to continue to be successful, although we can expect to see the face of the team change somewhat.
Dusty Baker hopes his troops will use this setback to learn. The 72-year-old himself may not return to Houston next season, he who is out of contract.
“What can you do there, except come home, take a shower, and figure out how you’re going to get back.” Last year we were one World Series game away and this year we were two championship games away. I would say it’s progress, ”said the experienced manager.
Another Astros veteran, pitching coach Brent Strom, 73, announced Tuesday night that he would not be returning to Houston. He spent eight years in the organization, taking gunners such as Justin Verlander, Zack Greinke, Dallas Keuchel and Gerrit Cole under his wing.
Carlos Correa on his departure?
One of the most coveted players of the offseason will undoubtedly be shortstop Carlos Correa, who could even initial a contract of more than $ 300 million according to several observers.
The soon-to-be free agent has already turned down offers from the Houston Astros before the start of the season. Correa feels like his last plaque appearance came in Tuesday’s decisive game against the Atlanta Braves.
“I was just thinking about that, to be honest,” he said at a press conference. It’s a lot of feelings, a mixture of emotions. I spent seven years with this club. Yes, it crossed my mind for sure. “
His appearance before members of the media sounded like a farewell, as the 27-year-old Puerto Rican thanked the entire organization and supporters.
“Fans, I would like to thank you for your support. My time here has been incredible, the best seven years of my life. I was a boy when I arrived, I became a man, I grew up in this city, and the followers adopted me, ”he said.
“It’s not over yet, retorted Dusty Baker, who was very laudatory to his player. He is a professional. He is a real leader. There is no alibi or excuse to be found. He’s playing the right way. He is a gladiator, a fighter, but a gentleman at the same time. “
“He’s not a free agent yet. I know we’re trying to get along with him. I have not lost hope, ”added Correa’s great accomplice in second cushion, Jose Altuve.
The shortstop had initialed a one-year, $ 11.7 million contract before the season. He played one of his best career campaigns of 2021, scoring 92 RBIs, 26 long balls and a .279 batting average.