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HOUSTON — Minute Maid Park crackled with postseason-like electricity on Monday night as two franchise icons rewrote the script of their highly anticipated homecomings. Former cornerstone shortstop Carlos Correa donned an Astros jersey for the first time since 2021, while 2019 World Series MVP Alex Bregman stepped into the visiting dugout with the Boston Red Sox—and promptly launched a first-pitch homer to the Crawford Boxes that drew a standing ovation from both sides of the ballpark. Return of the Champs Correa, who signed a three-year, $105 million deal to reunite with his former club at the trade deadline, wasted no time reminding fans why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2012. The 30-year-old ripped a two-run double in the fifth and turned a vintage relay with José Altuve that snuffed out Boston’s rally, helping Houston claim a 7-5 victory that vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the AL West. Bregman’s Emotional Blast Bregman, who will hit free agency this winter, admitted the night felt “surreal.” The third baseman tipped his helmet after circling the bases, then saluted the 40,872 fans chanting his name. “Houston will always be home,” he said. “I just hope they’ll forgive me for wearing the wrong laundry tonight.” Key Numbers • 1st — Bregman became the first visiting player ever to homer on the opening pitch of his first at-bat after winning a World Series with the home team. • 3 — Correa’s RBIs, matching his season high. • 15 — The Houston lineup collected 15 hard-hit balls (95 mph+), their most in any game this season. Why It Matters for October Houston’s deadline coup gives manager Joe Espada the deepest infield in baseball and veteran playoff leadership that statistics can’t quantify. Correa, Altuve, and Yordan Alvarez have combined for 47 postseason homers—more than seven entire MLB franchises over the past decade. With Daikin Park naming rights set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the Astros have momentum on and off the field heading into a pivotal stretch run. What’s Next • The Astros host the Red Sox for two more games before a showdown series against the AL-leading Yankees. • GM Dana Brown is expected to recall flamethrower Spencer Arrighetti from Triple-A Sugar Land later this week after his successful rehab assignment. • Bregman, meanwhile, will face former teammate Justin Verlander at Fenway next month, setting up another marquee reunion. Bottom Line By reuniting with Correa and giving Bregman a hero’s welcome, Houston proved its championship culture is alive and well. If Monday night was any indication, the road to the 2025 World Series may once again run through Space City—and Houston’s faithful wouldn’t have it any other way.