When the Orioles were two outs away from being swept in consecutive road series for the first time in three years (and the Ravens had just lost to Cincinnati), it’s safe to say Baltimore fans were despondent. Who, but our very own “Best Oriole,” was there to save the day.
Stud of the Week for September 1-7:
Nelson Cruz
The Line:
Cruz extended his career high in home runs (39) and RBIs (101) and, by far, has the team’s highest slugging percentage at .531.
Studliest Moment:
Trailing Tampa Bay 4-2 yesterday in the ninth inning, Cruz cleared the bases with a triple down the first-base line, giving the Orioles a 5-4 lead.
The Clincher:
As if his two-run shot in the sixth and game-saving triple in the ninth weren’t enough, when the O’s went into extra innings, Cruz came to the rescue again. In the top of the 11th, with Nick Hundley on first, Cruz hits another bomb to left-center, winning us and the game and ultimately giving him seven RBIs for the day, the most for an Oriole since 2009.
While he rounded the bases, it was hard to distinguish Rays’ fans boos and the visiting Orioles fans’ “Cruuuuz.” Either way, it was a sweet, sweet sound.