Elly De La Cruz ends home run drought with pivotal blast for Reds in Wild Card chase
Elly De La Cruz’s home run on Friday night was a moment of pure joy, not just for the player but for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. After going without a long ball since July 31—an agonizing stretch of nearly 200 plate appearances—De La Cruz finally found his power stroke at a crucial juncture of the season.
As he rounded the bases, arms stretched triumphantly into the night sky, the relief was palpable. This wasn’t just any home run; it was a cathartic release for a talented player who had been searching for his rhythm amid the pressures of a playoff race. With the Reds vying for the National League’s final Wild Card spot, every swing matters, and this one resonated deeply.
The timing could not be better, with the New York Mets also securing a win that night. The Reds remain two games behind in the Wild Card standings, meaning their window for a postseason push is narrowing. For Cincinnati, the challenge is clear: the Mets must stumble if the Reds hope to capitalize on any opportunities. With just eight games left on the schedule, the urgency is real, but De La Cruz’s resurgence could provide the spark that the team desperately needs.
This home run marks the end of what may be the most significant drought of De La Cruz’s career. Whether or not this leads to a hot streak remains to be seen; however, one thing is certain: the mental weight he was carrying has been lifted. With his confidence restored, the Reds can now look ahead with optimism.
Each game is a step closer to the postseason, and with De La Cruz back in form, the path may just be a little clearer.
