Elly De La Cruz Thanks Fans After Clutch Win in Reds’ Victory Over Rays
CINCINNATI, July 27, 2025 — In a packed Great American Ball Park, Elly De La Cruz delivered a memorable performance—and a message to the fans that cheered him into baseball lore.
The Moment That Changed the Game
With the score tied 2–2 in the seventh inning, De La Cruz came up to the plate with the bases loaded. Amid chants of “Elly! Elly! Elly!”, he battled back from an 0‑2 count to deliver a two-run single to center, giving the Reds a go-ahead 4–2 lead, and eventually propelling them to a 6–2 win over Tampa Bay.
Feeding Off the Crowd
After the game, De La Cruz wasn’t shy about crediting the fans’ energy:
“Absolutely… I like those things. Big crowd. Tie game. Big situations. I like it.”
He continued with a nod to the crowd’s direct impact:
“The crowd of 39,000+ fans were on their feet chanting ‘Elly, Elly, Elly.’”
Clearly, he thrives on the spotlight—and plenty of noise.
Embracing the Moment
De La Cruz reflected on his own mindset during the crucial at-bat:
“I know I got 0‑2 real quick but I just never give up. I keep fighting and I got a hit… Everybody loves the big moments. I like hitting with the bases loaded. You’ve got to make something. If you hit the ball, something is going to happen.”
His ability to stay composed under pressure is becoming a defining feature of his game.
Quick Recap
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Clutch Hit | Two-run single in the 7th inning off Garrett Cleavinger to break a 2–2 tie |
| Fan Connection | Loud chants energized De La Cruz, who said he thrives in big moments |
| Team Momentum | That hit secured a 6–2 victory, marking the Reds’ third straight win and a season‑high five games above .500 |
De La Cruz’s connection with the Cincinnati fanbase is electric—elevating not only the atmosphere at GABP, but also his own performance in the clutch. His message was clear and simple: the crowd’s energy matters, and together they’re driving this Reds team forward.
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