Elly De La Cruz delivers game-changing relay and home run in Reds loss to Dodgers
Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz made a spectacular relay throw that sealed an out at home and hit a two-run homer, though the Reds fell 3-2 to Los Angeles.
During a game at Dodger Stadium, a line drive by Teoscar Hernández ricocheted off the wall, leading to a dramatic relay that saw Elly De La Cruz catch a throw in shallow center and deliver a precise ball to home plate, resulting in the final out of the inning. Reds catcher Jose Trevino fielded the relay and tagged Hernández out at the plate. Earlier in the same inning, De La Cruz hit a two-run home run, tying the score at 2-2.
Despite his contributions, the Reds were defeated 3-2 by the Dodgers. Manager Terry Francona and pitcher Nick Lodolo lauded De La Cruz’s arm strength, calling the throw extraordinary. The play marked the second-fastest outfield assist recorded since Statcast began tracking in 2015.
Why it matters
The play highlights elite defensive skill and offensive impact from a rising star, underscoring the excitement of MLB competition.
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