VIDEO: Cruz breaks extra-inning tie with solo homer in 10th

Seattle's Fernando Rodney owes Nelson Cruz a thank you. 

Rodney imploded Sunday and was unable to protect a four-run lead in the ninth inning, allowing four runs on four hits while issuing two walks, enabling the Oakland Athletics to tie the Mariners 7-7 in a dramatic turnaround. 

But Cruz was quick to pick up his closer.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Cruz's 10th-inning solo homer proved to be the difference in the Mariners' 8-7 win over the division rival Athletics. It was the 2014 home run king's second homer in as many days and helped Seattle take the three-game set. 

"I didn't think it was going to be out," Cruz told reporters, "because I hit it at the end of the bat. I was surprised it went out."

Cruz and the Mariners will continue their six-game road trip Monday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.