Welcome to Baltimore, Nelson Cruz!
Cruz immediately endeared himself to the fans of Baltimore on Opening Day, taking Sox hurler Jon Lester deep in the bottom of the seventh to break a 1-1 tie and give the O’s a 2-1 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
Cruz has owned Lester throughout his career, and is now a ridiculous 11-for-24 with four home runs against him. Cruz’s line against Lester is .458/.500/.1000 in 26 career plate appearances, and he’s one of eight players with three or more dingers off him.
That’s quite a weapon for the O’s to have against a guy who’s given them fits for years.
Of course, you’re not really an Oriole until Adam Jones shoves a pie in your face.
Though, I think I heard Nelson tell Gary Thorne in the interview that it was an actual pie. I guess Adam’s taking it easy on the new guy. Next time will be the eye-stinging shaving cream, and not delicious whipped cream.
Of course, Cruz still needs to work on that victory celebration leap…
GIFs c/o our own Gordon Dixon
