Spanish
Cincinnati. — Dominican Elly De la Cruz shined again with the bat, driving in four runs for the fourth time this season, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park.
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De la Cruz, just 23 years old, hit a two-run home run in the first inning and added a two-RBI single in the fifth inning, raising his RBI total to 37 for the season. With this performance, the versatile shortstop reaffirms his status as an offensive engine in the Cincinnati team, which broke a streak of four consecutive losses.
“It feels good to help the team get out of the slump. We know what we can do when everyone contributes,” De la Cruz said after the game.
For his part, Dominican pitcher Emilio Pagán earned his 13th save in 15 opportunities, safely closing the final innings.
Cubs' Losses
The defeat wasn't the only bad news for the Cubs, who lost their starting catcher Miguel Amaya after suffering a left oblique strain during a throw to second base, precisely while De la Cruz was stealing the base. Amaya will be evaluated with imaging studies next week in Chicago.
Carson Kelly, who replaced him, responded with two hits, including a solo home run in the ninth inning. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the performance of his injured catcher: “He has played and hit very well. We hope it's nothing serious.”
Outstanding performance of the match:
- Elly De la Cruz (CIN): 3-2, 4 RBI, HR, 2 R
- Santiago Espinal (CIN): 3-1, 2 R
- Carson Kelly (CHC): 2-2, HR
- Emilio Pagán (CIN): 13th save
With this result, the Reds seek to regain their competitive rhythm in the National League Central division, while the Cubs await positive news about Amaya and analyze their options to cover his absence, with names like Moisés Ballesteros or Reese McGuire under consideration.
