Elly De La Cruz's 9th-inning HR sealed the Reds' 8-4 comeback win vs. the Tigers on June 15, 2025. Read how his hot streak fueled a huge road trip victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a road trip makes. After a thrilling 8-4 comeback victory over the Tigers on Sunday, the Cincinnati Reds are heading home with a swagger in their step and a 4-2 road swing in their back pocket. The hero of the hour, the day, and the entire trip was none other than Elly De La Cruz, who capped off a spectacular series with a ninth-inning blast that sealed Detroit's fate and sent a jolt of energy through the entire fanbase.
Elly De La Cruz finished the road trip hitting .462 with four homers, six RBIs, and eight runs scored.
It didn't look good for a while in Detroit. But this Reds team showed its fight, storming back with a four-run eighth inning that was part grit, part gift. The Tigers' defense crumbled with three costly errors, and the Reds capitalized. Tyler Stephenson, Will Benson, and Gavin Lux all delivered crucial RBI hits to turn the tide. But the exclamation point came from Elly. His two-run homer in the ninth wasn't just insurance; it was a statement. It marked his fourth consecutive game with a home run and solidified one of the most dominant stretches of his young career.
Now, the focus shifts to a crucial homestand, beginning Tuesday against the Minnesota Twins. The team will send its ace, Andrew Abbott, to the mound for the opener. With a sparkling 6-1 record and a minuscule 1.87 ERA, Abbott has been the anchor of the rotation. Handing the ball to him after a successful road trip is the perfect recipe to keep the momentum going. The bullpen, which was lights-out for the final three innings against the Tigers, will also look to build on its recent success.
While the big-league club is firing on all cylinders, the long-term picture presents a fascinating dynamic. The farm system is brimming with high-end pitching talent. Arms like Chase Burns and Chase Petty are knocking on the door, with Rhett Lowder not far behind once he's healthy. This provides an incredible safety net. The flip side, however, is a continued concern about offensive production in the minors. Beyond the established MLB bats, the system is searching for its next impact hitter, though youngsters like Alfredo Duno and Tyson Lewis offer hope for the future. This imbalance will be the central question for the front office as the trade deadline inches closer.
The Reds are riding a wave of momentum, fueled by an electric superstar and their staff ace. The upcoming series against the Twins feels like a major test. Can they keep the good times rolling at Great American Ball Park and solidify their position as contenders? All eyes will be on Tuesday night to see if the surge continues.
