CINCINNATI — Loud cheers for every plate look entrance, a hushed silence from followers punctuated between every pitch. Sure, Eli De La Cruz’s efficiency was sensational for the Reds on Tuesday at Nice American Ball Park.
And De La Cruz appeared prepared to satisfy the second.
De La Cruz went 1-for-3 with two walks and a run scored in Cincinnati’s 9-8 walk-off win over the Dodgers. His first main league hit was a third-inning double with one out towards starter Tony Gonsolin.
Reds supervisor David Bell stated: “He knew he had loads of consideration as we speak, however you by no means know it is round him.” “He got here out and performed relaxed, performed with ardour and depth. He was himself.”
De la Cruz, who was hitting left-handed towards Gonsolin, fired a drive into the wall in right-center with an exit velocity of 112 mph. In keeping with Statcast, the 21-year-old went from residence to second base in 7.74 seconds at 30.4 toes/second (his graduate velocity is 30 toes/second).
“I am very excited in regards to the first hit. As individuals say, there’s extra to return,” de la Cruz stated by means of translator George Merlos.
“What an amazing swing,” Bell stated. “Sturdy pitch, down 0-2.” A better fastball that we see extra usually now. It is very onerous to succeed in, and it manages to not solely attain it, but additionally deal some harm. It reveals the place it’s. Now as a killer.”
With two on and one out within the backside of his first main league first inning, De La Cruz labored a full depend earlier than drawing a stroll. Tyler Stephenson’s two-run single to left middle scored to tie the sport at 3-3.
De La Cruz, ranked because the group’s No. 1 prospect and No. 4 total by MLB Pipeline, drew a five-pitch stroll within the fifth inning.
An absence of plate self-discipline has been a knock on De La Cruz in earlier minor league seasons, however it’s an space the place he is proven enchancment this season for Triple-A Louisville.
“It is superb, each walks have been superb,” Reds second baseman Jonathan India stated. That was really a mature plate self-discipline by him. I am excited to see him try this.”
The environment jumped to a different stage within the sixth when De La Cruz scored the tying run in an 8-5 deficit with two outs. This time there was no silence.
The 22,602 followers chanted “Elly, Elly” between every play. However de la Cruz did not include assistant Yancey Almonte this time, as he was promoted to second base. The ball was nonetheless smoking at 108.7 mph.
In keeping with Reds officers, the membership has attracted round 6,000 extra followers than its normal Tuesday recreation this season.
“While you hear these followers sing your identify, it is fairly particular,” De La Cruz stated. “It is much more particular to listen to it within the main leagues.”
The mantra continued for De La Cruz with one out within the backside of the eighth, however the followers have been upset when he dropped a referred to as sweeper at third and away from challenger Evan Phillips to finish the sport.
“It was an ideal sound. You’ll be able to’t do something about it,” Bell stated. “The principle factor is you need to overlook that. A pitcher pitched good. There’s nothing anyone can do with that pitch. That skill to be disciplined and never begin spreading after that’s so vital.”
De La Cruz was not concerned within the three-run game-winning rally within the ninth after trailing the Reds 8-3 within the fourth inning, however his presence within the lineup definitely added to the electrical air.
Cincinnati scored six unearned runs, with starter Matt McClain A walk-off single Within the backside of the ninth, the group roared to a last, emphatic crescendo. De la Cruz stated it was his favourite a part of his first day within the large leagues.
“It was very emotional. I am very comfortable to be right here,” he stated. “I am attempting to provide the crew an opportunity to win, and we did that as we speak.”
The Reds’ rebuilding effort is bringing some pleasure, maybe earlier than anticipated.
“It was superb. Eli was making his debut. He introduced an amazing crowd with him. That’s so sick, India stated. “And he had an amazing evening on the plate. He positively confirmed up for the primary time. He will be part of this crew for some time.
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