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Cano, Seattle having success with first pitch
- Updated: August 14, 2016
OAKLAND — The common thread between Nelson Cruz and Robinson Cano’s homers in Saturday’s 4-3 win over the A’s, outside of both being hit over 400 feet, was that they both came on the first pitch from Oakland starter Kendall Graveman.
Cruz jumped on a fourth-inning fastball from Graveman, launching it 408 feet to left field and tying the game at 1-1. Cano followed an inning later, mashing an elevated fastball 426 feet to left-center for a two-run homer and a sudden 4-1 lead.
If it seemed familiar, it should, especially for Cano.
The Mariners are third in the Majors with 33 first-pitch homers this season, trailing only the Cardinals and Orioles (34). Cano is tied with Baltimore’s Chris Davis with a Major League high of nine first-pitch homers.
Cano said he was cognizant of how Graveman pitched him in his first two at-bats, including leaving a first-pitch fastball over the plate in his first at-bat.
“It’s a matter of you being ready and taking advantage when this kind of guy gets it over the plate,” Cano said.
The numbers show Graveman isn’t the only opposing pitcher susceptible to Cano’s …
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