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Seattle Mariners vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: Series Preview
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
Cruz and AckAttack are Driving the Bus
Nelson Cruz and Dustin Ackley may not have much in common as far as skillset, but they are 2 of the hottest hitters on the M’s right now. Seattle would never have won the last 2 games had it not been for the clutch hitting of Ackley and Cruz.
Apr 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Dustin Ackley (13) hits a solo home run in the top of the third inning off of Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54), not in picture, at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson Cruz was viewed as the savior of the M’s offensive struggles when he first signed back in November, but after a slow start to the season, some fans were quick to turn on the slugger. However, Cruz was huge for the Mariners this weekend in Oakland, providing a pair of homers and driving in 4 key runs. The 34-year-old right fielder uncorked a 3-run blast on Saturday afternoon, and yesterday he hit a game winning home run in the top of the 10th inning. He enters tonight’s game having reached base in 5 of his last 9 at bats. Look for Cruz’s hot streak to continue, and hopefully that will be enough to get the Mariners over the .500 mark this week.
Dustin Ackley was an afterthought for some heading into this season. The former no.2 overall pick has failed to live up expectations in his first 4 seasons, but he looks like a whole new man in the early part of this season. Ackley is currently hitting .357 with a double, 2 home runs and 2 RBI’s across 14 at bats this year. Always categorized as a streaky hitter, Ackley has demonstrated a much more mature approach at the plate in 2015. He has been patient, and has tallied at least 1 hit in every game this season. The AckAttack is on fire right now, and he should get plenty of opportunities this week against the Trolley Dodgers.
Next: Familiar Faces in New Places