Breaking down historic series for Twins’ Cruz against White Sox
Nelson Cruz was special in the Minnesota Twins’ series win over the Chicago White Sox — especially in the rubber match — and it turns out it was one of the most historic performances in MLB history.
Cruz got things started in the second game Saturday with a three-run blast. At 40 years and 24 days old, it made him the oldest MLB player to hit a home run since a 43-year-old Ichiro Suzuki hit one in 2017.
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Fast forward to the third game of the series on Sunday, when Cruz drove in seven runs, which made him the oldest player with a seven RBI game since Jason Giambi accomplished that feat in 2011.
The Minnesota designated hitter smacked two doubles and two home runs in the Twins’ 14-2 win over Chicago. That made him the fourth player in franchise history have a pair of doubles and home runs in the same game, joining Corey Koskie (July 12, 2001), Kirby Puckett (Aug. 30, 1987) and Cesar Tovar (May 21, 1967).
Not only that, but also Cruz became the Twins hitter with a seven RBI game out of the cleanup spot since Randy Bush recorded eight on May 20, 1989. The only other No. 4 hitters in Minnesota history with seven RBI in a game are Bob Allison (April 16, 1961, Game 1 of a doubleheader) and Harmon Killebrew (Sept. 7, 1969).
Cruz also became the fifth player in Twins history to hit a three-run homer or a grand slam at age 40 or older. His two three-run shots over the weekend put him behind Dave Winfield (6), Jim Thome (4), Paul Molitor (3) and Torii Hunter (3). If all goes well, it looks like Cruz should be able to break that record this season, even if it is 60 games.
The Twins’ offensive output was not just limited to Cruz. With Minnesota winning 10-5 and 14-2 in the first and third games, it became the first time in franchise history the team scored in double digits in two of its first three games of the season.
Cruz finished the series batting .538 with three home runs and 10 RBI, both of which lead MLB. Certainly a great weekend and it’s no surprise he was awarded American League player of the week.
