Mariners Weekly Rundown: Tough Times have Returned to Seattle

Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) looks as his helmet after it flew off his head while swinging at a pitch during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a single to center during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Texas won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 12, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a single to center during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Texas won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Boomstick is Heating up

Nelson Cruz has been one of the M’s most productive hitters in 2016, and that trend continued this week. Cruz posted a .321 batting average with 1 double, 2 home runs and 3 RBI. He registered a .345 on base percentage and slugged .571 across 28 at bats. Cruz’s 9 base hits were the second highest tally on the team this week, only trailing Robinson Cano’s 10.

Not many pundits expected the 35-year-old Cruz to duplicate his remarkable 2015 campaign. While he has fallen slightly back to earth, Cruz is still slashing .293/.377/.530 with 15 homers and 43 RBI through 62 games. He will likely fail to match his home run total from last season, but he is on pace to drive in over 100 runs for the first time since joining the Mariners.

Next: Benoit has Bumpy Week