Nelson Cruz knocks in first run of playoffs thanks to Max Kepler slide (Video)

A slick slide by Kepler gave the Twins their first run of the MLB playoffs

Cruz is the ageless wonder, known to some as the boomstick. He’s been a postseason monster. In just 45 postseason games, Cruz has 17 home runs and 36 RBI. That’s an absurd rate, and he continued that pace on Tuesday with a rocket of a double to right field to knock in Kepler.

Josh Reddick hit the cutoff man, who relayed the throw home. Yet, it was just a little late, and Kepler was able to slide around the attempted tag with a headfirst dive. A risky play worked out for the Twins, who scored the first run of the entire postseason against the Astros.

Cruz’s RBI double gives Kenta Maeda his first lead in what’s looking like a pitchers’ duel between he and Zack Greinke.