(670 The Score) White Sox reliever Keynan Middleton was one out away from recording the save Wednesday night when a familiar foe stepped to the plate representing the potential tying run.
It was Twins star shortstop Carlos Correa, a former AL West rival to Middleton, who previously played for the Angels and Mariners. Correa was involved in the 2017 Astros’ sign-stealing scandal in a season in which Houston won the World Series, and Middleton hasn't forgotten that.
Middleton struck out Correa to save the White Sox’s 6-4 win over the Twins at Guaranteed Rate Field, then shared his dislike for Correa.
“I knew I was going to face Correa, and I don't like him,” Middleton told reporters, including the Sun-Times. “I enjoyed that."
When asked to clarify his remarks, Middleton doubled down on his feelings toward Correa.
"Not even a little bit,” Middleton said.
"I mean, he's a cheater."
Correa hit a two-run homer in the third inning off White Sox ace Dylan Cease but finished 1-for-5 with two strikeouts, including the game-ending whiff against Middleton.
In 2020, Correa acknowledged his role in the sign-stealing scandal and expressed regret. He wasn't punished as part of the Astros’ penalties for the scandal.
The Astros were fined $5 million and docked first- and second-round picks in the 2020 and 2021 drafts. Manager A.J. Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were each fired in January 2020 after the findings of an investigation were revealed.
The White Sox improved to 10-21 with their third straight win Wednesday night and earned their first series victory of the season. They'll look to sweep the Twins on Thursday afternoon at Guaranteed Rate Field.
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