Reds Rookie Elly De La Cruz Hits for Cycle, Sets Historic Record
Reds Rookie Elly De La Cruz Hits for Cycle, Sets Historic Record
Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz, at the age of 21, made history by becoming the youngest player in 51 years to hit for the cycle in Major League Baseball. Cincinnati's impressive 11-10 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night extended their win streak to 12 games.
De La Cruz's remarkable achievement included a double to kick off the second inning, a two-run homer in the third, a run-scoring single to center in the fifth, and a triple in the sixth that secured his fourth RBI of the night. This last hit extended the Reds' lead to 11-7.
Record-Breaking Performance by Elly De La Cruz
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Elly De La Cruz's cycle makes him the youngest player to achieve this feat since Houston's César Cedeño in 1972. Moreover, De La Cruz joins an elite group of players since 1901 who have hit for the cycle within their first 15 career games.
Notable Young Players With Cycles
Elly De La Cruz's incredible accomplishment puts him in the company of some of the youngest players in history to hit for the cycle. Here are the top five:
Mel Ott (1929): 20 years and 75 days old
Cliff Heathcote (1918): 20 years and 140 days old
Arky Vaughan (1933): 21 years and 107 days old
César Cedeño (1972): 21 years and 159 days old
Elly De La Cruz (2023): 21 years and 163 days old
A Memorable Achievement for the Reds
Elly De La Cruz's cycle marks the seventh in Cincinnati Reds' team history, the fifth since 1900, and the first since Eric Davis accomplished the feat against San Diego on June 2, 1989.
Coincidentally, De La Cruz wears the same No. 44 jersey that Davis did during his tenure with the Reds.
"I can't really put it into words right now," said De La Cruz, expressing his joy and excitement through a translator. "I'm happy and excited. It is fortunate Eric Davis is one of the legends of this game and in Cincinnati, too. Sure enough, he let me wear that jersey No. 44, and to be the [first] one since him to do that is incredible."
Unforgettable Atmosphere and Record Turnout
The sellout crowd of 43,086 at Great American Ball Park was electrified by Elly De La Cruz's outstanding performance. Chants of "Elly! Elly!" reverberated throughout the stadium.
This incredible turnout comes just two months after a record-low attendance of 7,375 on April 17.
"I think this might be the best regular-season game that I've been a part of," expressed Reds manager David Bell. "I think a lot had to do with the atmosphere in the ballpark.
Both teams played a great game. They came up short, but it showed the kind of team they are. It took a lot of great performances to win that game."
Reds Halt Braves' Winning Streak in Thrilling Contest
In a thrilling matchup between National League division leaders, the Cincinnati Reds rallied from an early 5-0 deficit to put an end to the Atlanta Braves eight-game winning streak.
The Reds' current winning streak of 12 games is now tied for the second-best in franchise history, matching the achievements of the 1939 and 1957 teams.
This impressive run also matches the longest win streak by any team that had previously lost at least 100 games in a season, tying with the 1890 Louisville Colonels.
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