With two-run homer Saturday night, Cruz increased their total ALCS six homers and 13 RBIs - both major league records for a playoff series. The numbers are expected, too, because the Texas Rangers beat the Detroit Tigers 15-5 in Game 6 to advance to the World Series for the second consecutive year.
"When the team needed me, she gave me," said Cruz. "It was unbelievable."
- The success of the game, first Grand Slam final in the history of the postseason.
- Became the first player with extra-inning homers in two games in a series.
- Became the first player to hit six homers in two postseasons, and it has done in years back to back.
- Became the franchise postseason home run king.
And get this - he did it all while batting seventh in the lineup.
"It was fun to watch," said teammate Josh Hamilton, last year's championship series MVP. "One thing to be in the stands. But when you're here in the field with him, you can see the intensity, see the focus. To see him do that was amazing. ... When Nellie gets into these streaks, which may come at any time. That is what is the fun part. Every at-bat when he's up there, it could be the at-bat hitting the other. "
On Saturday night, the Rangers were well on their way to victory when Cruz sent another bow shot high above the left field wall in the seventh inning. A stadium full of fans eager to celebrate the championship shouted "Cruuuuuuz" long and strong, and he left the dugout for a quick greeting.
When Michael Young called the final out at first base, Cruz was running towards the game and began to smile. It then fell to one knee and said a brief prayer, hit the ground and loaded into the pileup near the mound.
During the ceremony, there were more roars of "Cruuuuuuz" every time his name was mentioned and, of course, when he received the MVP hardware.
"Nellie worked hard all year," said Texas manager Ron Washington. "Coming down the stretch, it does not really have a lot of bats. He kept struggling, his teammates supported him and, finally all came together."
