Nelson Cruz’s homer helps Texas Rangers defeat Seattle Mariners 6-4 – MLB Update
Major League All Star out-fielder Nelson Cruz struck a home-run in the fourth inning to help the Texas Rangers defeat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 at Rangers Ballpark, Arlington on April 4.
The Mariners’ starting pitcher Erik Bedard pitched at normal speed but Cruz made adjustments with a slam towards center-field. He hit the homer on the first throw of Bedard to take the Rangers up with 13 homers of the current regular season. Cruz was the
third player in baseball history to hit four home-runs in four successive games of the season.
The Rangers become the fourth unbeaten team of the continuing season while other teams are the Baltimore Orioles, Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds.
Elvis Andrus also struck a homer with 705 at-bats. It was the seventh homer of Andrus’ overall career.
After beating the Mariners, the Rangers’ manager Ron Washington said, “We've got a solid offense. Anybody in the lineup can get you. Tonight Elvis got us going. And Cruz came back and got another one. ... Anytime you've got that lineup, that's what it's
all about.”
Cruz had some different views about his game plan, as he said, “In that at-bat I was thinking, hit the ball through the hole [at] second base hard, because he was throwing that curveball."
Starting pitcher for the Rangers, Derek Holland threw six impressive innings with five strike-outs. It was his best start since 1996. Holland became the fourth starter in the spring season rotation. He proved his spot by permitting just three runs with seven
hits and one walk. The Rangers’ closer Neftali Feliz pitched an ideal 9th inning of the game.
On the other hand, Bedard permitted five runs on four hits, including three earned runs over five innings. Bedard offered two home runs, but his three strike-outs and two walks were valuable for the Mariners. He made his comeback from the last year’s shoulder
injury. Due to that surgery, he was out from the last season.
The Rangers’ first baseman Mike Napoli was in the penalty area by lining up Bradley's appearance but the ball fell down in the centre of second baseman Ian Kinsler and Napoli. Milton Bradley made three shots for the Mariners and also got one run on the error
of Napoli-Kinsler. Miguel Olivo posted a double with two outs.
The Rangers put in a brilliant performance as they managed to contain the Mariners’ offence from putting valuable runs on the board. Seattle fought hard, but it was not enough to take a victory from the Rangers on the night. It will be interesting to see
how the Rangers carry their winning momentum into their next match-up.
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