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Seattle Mariners vs. Texas Rangers – Series Preview
Apr 13, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Nelson Cruz (23) celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in an interleague game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson Cruz is Powering Seattle’s Offense
Nelson Cruz has been the lone bright spot for the Mariners over the past 3 games. Cruz is currently riding a 5-game home run streak, and he has shown no signs of slowing down. The 34-year-old is hitting .474 with 6 home runs and 9 RBI’s over his last 5 games. The Mariners’ record for consecutive games with a home run is 8, set by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1993. Cruz spent 8 years with the Texas Rangers, so you can bet he will be ultra motivated to tie The Kid’s record this weekend against his former club.
There was plenty of hype that surrounded Nelson Cruz entering this season, but so far he is exceeding even the loftiest of expectations. Cruz signed a 4 year $57 million dollar deal this winter after leading the Major Leagues in home runs last season with the Baltimore Orioles. Cruz clubbed 40 dingers in 2014, and I thought it would be impossible for him to come close to that number this season. However, he has shown incredible power over the last 5 games, and I think 35-40 home runs are possible. I am convinced he will find a way to go yard this weekend at Safeco Field.
Nelson Cruz has been unbelievable for the M’s, but the hitters around him in the lineup need to step up this weekend. Seattle enters tonight’s game with a team batting average of .210, and an on base percentage of .258. Cruz has hit 6 home runs but has only driven in 9 runs, and that simply not good enough. If the Mariners are going to get back into the win column this weekend, they are going to need to get more runners on base. That may sound simple, but the M’s have made it look very complicated lately.
Next: The 2015 Texas Rangers