In a night to remember for Cincinnati Reds’ fans, Elly De La Cruz showcased his extraordinary talent with a remarkable performance against the Texas Rangers. On April 1, 2025, De La Cruz lit up the scoreboard with two home runs, a double, a single, and even a stolen base, accumulating a career-high seven RBIs in a commanding 14-3 victory.
A Home Run for the Ages
De La Cruz electrified the crowd with a towering 436-foot home run, leaving the bat at an astonishing speed of 110.2 mph. This was not just any home run, but a monumental shot that underscored his incredible power and potential as he stepped to the plate a triple shy of the elusive cycle. Despite being in a position to achieve this rare feat, De La Cruz opted for the thrill of launching a baseball into the stratosphere instead—a testament to his aggressive hitting style.
Harnessing the Power of the "Torpedo" Bat
An interesting twist to his performance was De La Cruz’s decision to use a newly discussed “torpedo” bat, which he chose just before the game. This game-time decision paid off handsomely, amplifying his natural abilities and setting the stage for his record-setting night. After the game, he mentioned his early-season struggles, batting just .273 prior to this match. However, with his stellar performance, his slash line skyrocketed to .438/.471/.875—a significant turnaround that highlights his talent and determination.
A Rising Star
At just 23 years old, De La Cruz is already making waves in the league. In the previous season, he displayed his all-around skills with 71 extra-base hits, 25 home runs, and an astonishing 67 stolen bases. These accomplishments earned him his first career All-Star selection and a place among the top contenders for the National League MVP award. Given his trajectory and the explosive potential he showcased against the Rangers, 2025 is shaping up to be an even more promising year for this budding superstar.
Stats That Speak Volumes
To put De La Cruz’s performance into perspective, here’s a detailed look at his hits from that unforgettable night:
- Single: 103.2 mph off the bat
- Home Run: 107.2 mph off the bat
- Fly-Out: 99 mph off the bat
- Double: 102 mph off the bat
- Home Run: 110.2 mph off the bat
With such impressive metrics, it’s clear that De La Cruz not only has the power to hit home runs but also the capability to make solid contact throughout his at-bats. In addition, his anticipated triple was almost a reality, as a fly-out he recorded had an expected batting average of .470. ### Conclusion
Elly De La Cruz’s record-setting night against the Texas Rangers further cements his status as a talent to watch in Major League Baseball. With a powerful swing, remarkable speed, and an aggressive approach to hitting, he dazzled fans and analysts alike. As the Reds look to build on this momentum in the 2025 season, De La Cruz will undoubtedly be a key player in their success story. If last night’s performance is any indication, baseball fans are in for a thrilling season ahead.