Houston Astros rookie Raynel Delgado delivered a decisive two-run single during a three-run eighth inning to secure a 4-2 comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday at Daikin Park.
The late rally allowed the Astros to draw even in their current series against Detroit, despite Houston struggling heavily by finishing 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 men stranded on base.
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Before stepping up to the plate with the bases loaded and his team trailing by one run, the 26-year-old rookie, who made his major-league debut just two days prior, turned his attention toward the home dugout.
"It's a big moment in the game, so just making sure that everything is going as it should," said Delgado.
Astros manager Joe Espada noticed the rookie looking over and immediately signaled back to encourage his young infielder to focus entirely on the high-stakes plate appearance.
"I said, 'Don't look at me — this is your at-bat, this is your moment,' " said Espada.
Delgado capitalised on the advice by driving a first-pitch slider from Detroit reliever Will Vest up the middle, which rolled into center field to drive home the game-altering runs.
"It's definitely the biggest moment of my career so far," said Delgado.
The ball found its way through the infield despite a low exit velocity of 85 mph, slipping past the outstretched reach of the defense to complete the late-game turnaround.
