Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is making history. During the Reds’ matinee against Milwaukee on July 8, he became one of only a handful to successfully steal all three bases in a single game. This feat was even more remarkable given that it came during an especially pressure-filled game for him and his teammates – with their battling with the Brewers for first place in the National League Central.
De La Cruz’s stunningly successful display was nothing short of admirable, ensuring that records will remember this incredible performance as yet another proud feat for both him and his team!
Introducing Elly De La Cruz
In the seventh inning of Saturday’s 8-5 win against the Brewers, the Reds’ outstanding rookie singled in the go-ahead run and then stole second, third, and home in the space of three pitches. Cincinnati overcame deficits of 1-0, 4-1, and 5-4 to post its 33rd comeback victory of the year. The victory tied the season series at a game apiece and gave the Reds a two-game divisional lead over the Brewers heading into the last game of the first half.
De La Cruz pushed in TJ Friedl with two outs, then stole second on Elvis Peguero‘s 1-0 pitch to Jake Fraley and was safe on William Contreras‘ throw. On a 1-2 pitch, De La Cruz stole third and raced home before Peguero could adjust. He now has 16 steals on the season in only 29 games since being called up on June 6.
A Moment of Pressure and Triumph
Since 1961, when the league expanded to include more teams, De La Cruz is just the second player (after Hall of Famer Rod Carew of the Twins on May 18, 1969, while Harmon Killebrew was up to bat) to steal three bases in one at-bat.
De La Cruz’s speed also helped the Reds tie the game at 4 with a three-run fourth. When Willy Adames‘ rushed throw to first flew wide, the youngster hammered out a single to short and advanced to second. Fraley walked as De La Cruz advanced on a balk. Joey Votto then connected on Colin Rea‘s opening pitch for his sixth home run. Since returning from the disabled list on June 19, half of Votto’s 14 hits have been home runs.
Will Benson‘s third-inning home run stretched the Reds’ string of consecutive games with a home run to 22, surpassing the 1956 squad for the best streak in club history.
An Unprecedented Achievement
When Brian Anderson singled in the bottom of the fourth inning, and Brice Turang followed with a triple to the gap in right field, Milwaukee regained the lead.
The Reds knotted it up again in the fifth inning when Matt McLain singled and swiped second. Fraley led the game with a two-out RBI double against reliever Bryse Wilson.
The Reds’ bullpen combined for 5 1/3 shutout innings after Luke Weaver surrendered five runs in 3 2/3 innings. With the bases loaded in the sixth, Lucas Sims got Christian Yelich out by getting him to hit a ground ball to end the inning. Yelich was the Brewers’ biggest threat for the rest of the game.
Conclusion
The surprising Reds have been making a name for themselves this season, and Elly De La Cruz’s remarkable feat of stealing all three bases in one game only adds to their impressive streak. His performance was heroic, as he single-handedly helped the team overcome the Cincinnati Reds betting odds and tie up the series against Milwaukee while also guaranteeing them the NL Central lead at the All-Star break.
