Cruz Loses Batting Gloves, Gets Three Hits

Coming into Saturday night’s matchup with Houston in a 3-for-16 slump, Nelson Cruz decided to change things up, and go without batting gloves. He has done this before to break out of a slump, and while we can’t speak to the results of the past times he’s used this tactic, this weekend in Houston, it worked.

Over Saturday and Sunday, Cruz had four hits in nine at-bats, including a three-hit, two RBI performance in the series finale on Sunday, which the Rangers won by a score of 6-1, giving them the series win.

"I think my approach has been good the last few games," Cruz said after the win, per ESPN Dallas. "I'm seeing a lot of good pitches and wait for the right pitches."

As for the benefits of going to the plate without batting gloves, Cruz said, “I felt the bat better.”

Speaking of Cruz’s big day at the plate, Rangers’ manager Ron Washington added: "Did a lot for his confidence."