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Cruz hauls in first Silver Slugger Award

Slugger swatted 44 homers in first season with Mariners

Mariners right fielder Nelson Cruz was recognized Thursday for his big year at the plate, receiving his first Silver Slugger Award, presented by Louisville Slugger.

Cruz was one of nine first-time recipients represented among the collection of the game's best offensive producers as voted by Major League managers and coaches.

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In his first season with the Mariners, Cruz batted .302/.369/.566 with a career-high 44 homers, earning his fourth trip to the All-Star Game. He finished the year ranked first on the team in home runs, RBIs (93), walks (59), runs (90), batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage.

Cruz is the first Mariners player to win a Silver Slugger since Ichiro Suzuki in 2009. He's the third Seattle outfielder to take home the offensive honor, joining Suzuki (three) and Ken Griffey Jr. (seven).

Chad Thornburg is a reporter for MLB.com.
Read More: Seattle Mariners, Nelson Cruz