After losing 7-3 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds dropped to 29-31 on the short MLB season and further slipped behind in the National League Central.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz had a tearful Sunday since he decided to play the day after his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez, passed away.
In Cincinnati’s loss to the Chicago Cubs, De La Cruz scored two runs and blasted a two-run home drive. The squad was going to support the 23-year-old shortstop, according to manager Terry Francona, who claimed he wanted to play in the weekend series finale.
Cruz Honors Her Sister in a Special Way
“RIP” was inscribed on De La Cruz’s cleats and hat in remembrance of her sister during the game against the host Chicago Cubs. After hitting a home run in the sixth inning, De La Cruz clapped, pointed up at the sky, and patted his jersey over his heart before crossing home plate.
According to a video posted by MLB on X, he then made a heart sign with his hands
Elly De La Cruz chose to play today after recently learning about the death of his sister.
He then hit this home run and pointed to the sky and made a heart gesture. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/gGK1ukAWhC
— MLB (@MLB) June 1, 2025
After battling health issues for a while, Cruz’s sister Genelis passed away on Saturday. De La Cruz refused to talk to reporters. Citing De La Cruz’s requests, the Reds likewise refused to provide any information on the incident.
During Sunday’s game, shortstop De La Cruz added to his Cincinnati career by playing well and continuing to have a fantastic season.
As the day went on, the Reds announced De La Cruz and highlighted his accomplishment on social media. The Reds posted a highlight video of the historic event along with the caption, “Elly De La Cruz gets his 50th career home run,” on X.
Cruz hit a two-run home run at Wrigley that was 423 feet long, giving the Reds, who have been battered down at times this season in the fierce NL Central, a glimmer of optimism.
Despite Francona’s squad having a difficult first half of the season at times, De La Cruz, who is more known for his base stealing than his power figures, has continued to hit for power.
According to a report by MLB.com, the plan is for De La Cruz to play through Wednesday’s afternoon finale against Milwaukee before returning home to the Dominican Republic to be with family and grieve the loss of Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez.
Reds manager Terry Francona said prior to Monday’s series opener against the Brewers at Great American Ball Park that De La Cruz stated that he wanted to continue playing through Wednesday during a lengthy discussion about possibilities that Francona and bench coach Freddie Benavides had with him on Sunday in Chicago.