Mariners Game Recap: Nelson Cruz Lifts M’s to Victory in Series Finale

Apr 12, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners outfielder Nelson Cruz (23) steps on home plate after hitting a home run against the Oakland Athletics in the tenth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Newcomers Shine in the East bay

Nelson Cruz and Rickie Weeks have both received plenty of criticism over the first week of the 2015 season. However, both players contributed key home runs in today’s exciting victory.

Rickie Weeks is attempting to transition from second base to left field this season, and today he proved that he is a force at the plate regardless of where he lines up defensively. The 32-year-old came off the bench to pitch hit for Seth Smith in the top of the 7th with 2 out and runners on second and third. Weeks drilled a line drive that carried well beyond the wall in center field. The blast gave Seattle a 7-3 lead, and quieted his critics watching the game in the Emerald City.

Nelson Cruz has been hailed as the savior of the lackluster M’s offense, and today he showed why expectations are so high for the 34-year-old slugger. Fernando Rodney blew the Mariners’ 4-run lead in the bottom of the 9th inning, but Cruz went deep to left field in the top of the 10th to put Seattle back in front. The home run proved to be the difference, and Cruz was the hero. Cruz also connected on a big fly in yesterday’s ballgame, and he is now hitting .208 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s this season.

Next: Looking Ahead