Michael Young has been a groundball machine this season for the Texas Rangers, as he's suffered through career lows in many offensive categories, most notably slugging percentage and OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage).
On Monday afternoon in Kansas City, in the Rangers' 134th game of the year, Young hit his fifth home run of the season. That is sad, but this wasn't just any home run. It was a statement.
Cruz was blatantly plunked in the top of the ninth inning after homering earlier in the game and probably taking a little too long to admire his blast. Cruz has a history of that, and probably isn't too well liked by opposing pitchers, but on Monday someone did something about it.
Cruz didn't approve as he took a few minutes to approach the mound, exchange words with and shove the Royals' catcher and watch as the bullpens and dugouts both cleared with nothing more coming out of it. Both teams were warned, and Cruz took his spot at first base.
One pitch later, Young sent a blast to left field (not his usual power alley of right-center), had some words for Kansas City's dugout and pitcher Louis Coleman as he sprinted around the bases and met an approving Cruz at home plate as he glared at Coleman while heading back to the dugout.
Young has been devoid of many fireworks this season, but Monday's was a nice surprise.
