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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

MLB action on Thursday saw the Tropicana Field play host to Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox. The game saw many moments unfold, one of which was produced by the Rays’ designated hitter, Nelson Cruz.

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In the bottom of the third inning, the 41-year-old smashed a tremendous home run. While the hit drew its fair share of reactions from fans at the Tropicana Field, fans on social media sent reactions of their own as well.

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Fans react to home run smashed by Nelson Cruz against the Red Sox

The Tropicana Field’s dome can often confuse many in terms of the rules. Since it has four rings, each of them comes with a separate rule should the baseball hit any of them. In Thursday’s game, Cruz’s colossal hit struck the catwalk, also known as the C-ring.

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According to the rules, should the ball strike any part of the C-ring or D-ring and be in fair territory, it counts as a home run. Hence, Cruz slowed down after covering the first two bases due to the umpire awarding him a home run. His home run was the first of the Rays’ postseason this year.

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USA Today via Reuters

This sent fans into a frenzy on Twitter, with many sharing their reactions to the confusing home run. While some ridiculed the rules that apply in the Tropicana Field, others embraced the craziness that ensued.

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Cruz scored his 18th career postseason home run on Thursday

The Dominican scored the 18th home run of his postseason career with this mammoth hit. With this, he moved to sixth on the all-time list for the most postseason home runs scored by a single player. He joins Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Jose Altuve, who also scored 18. Altuve currently plays for the Houston Astros, who defeated the Chicago White Sox in their ALDS game on the same day.

While Cruz put in a solid effort, his teammate Randy Arozarena stole the show in Tropicana Field. The latter scored three runs, which included stealing a base to score a crucial run in the seventh inning.

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Despite the Red Sox’s best efforts, they couldn’t stop the Rays from trouncing them, with the scoreline reading 5-0. Game 2 of this best-of-five series takes place on Friday, October 8 at the Tropicana Field once again.

READ MORE: WATCH: Brandon Lowe Obliterates the New York Yankees With Three Massive Home Runs for the Tampa Bay Rays

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