MLB

Watch The Rangers’ Nelson Cruz Hit The First Walkoff Grand Slam In Playoff History, Sort Of

Last night, the Texas Rangers took an imposing 2-0 lead on the Detroit Tigers in the NLCS by winning 7-3. The score suggests a comfortable win, but not so much: the margin was actually achieved in about the most dramatic, tension-filled way possible: a walkoff, 11th-inning grand slam by outfielder Nelson Cruz. Here it is, complete with a call from Joe Buck that, if not quite enthusiastic, shows some sign of life:

If you’ll notice, the headline here calls Cruz’ hit the “first game-ending grand slam in postseason history.” Technically, that’s true. But what the factoid neglects, as Yahoo!’s Dylan Stableford notes, is Robin Ventura’s famed “grand slam single” against the Braves in 1999. Ventura, of course, hit one out with the bases loaded but was mobbed by teammates before reaching home plate, so his home run didn’t officially count as such. But we know the truth. Cruz will have his spot in the record books, along with whatever a teammate apparently splashed in his face as he reached home plate. Ventura? He’ll have his place in our hearts.