Elly De La Cruz's near-cycle powers Reds past Yankees 6-1 on June 24. See how his heroics and the debut of ace Chase Burns signal a new era in Cincinnati.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
There's a special kind of energy buzzing around Great American Ball Park right now. The Cincinnati Reds are not just winning; they're making statements. On a picture-perfect Tuesday, they dismantled the mighty New York Yankees 6-1, and the victory felt like a microcosm of the team's current state: explosive talent delivering in the present, with a glimpse of an even brighter future arriving in the form of top pitching prospect Chase Burns.
The Yankees went a staggering 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position, a testament to the Reds' clutch pitching and defense.
While the city buzzed about a future debut, Elly De La Cruz decided to put on a show for the present. The Reds' superstar was simply unstoppable, going 3-for-4 and falling just a double short of the cycle. His RBI triple in the three-run fourth inning broke the game open, and he added an RBI single and a towering solo home run in the eighth for good measure. Gavin Lux also got in on the action with a solo shot of his own. Nick Lodolo was solid, his only blemish a solo homer to Aaron Judge, before the bullpen and some stellar defense—including a highlight-reel leaping grab by Jake Fraley—shut the door. The win marks the Reds' 11th in their last 16 games, proving this hot streak is no fluke.
As if the win wasn't exciting enough, the Reds made the move every fan has been waiting for, calling up top pitching prospect Chase Burns from Triple-A Louisville. The 2024 second overall pick has been nothing short of a phenom in the minors, posting a ridiculous 1.77 ERA with 89 strikeouts in just 66 innings. Burns is set to make his Major League debut against the Yankees on Tuesday, a true trial by fire. His arrival signals a major injection of talent into the rotation and a clear commitment from the front office to win now.
The good news just keeps rolling in. Outfielder Austin Hays, who was swinging a hot bat before his injury, has officially started a rehab assignment with the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts. Hitting .303 with six homers in 31 games, Hays' return would be a significant boost to an already potent lineup. The team is hopeful he could be back as soon as this Friday, adding another weapon for the stretch run.
What a time to be a Reds fan. The team is firing on all cylinders, beating elite opponents, and getting contributions from everyone. With Elly De La Cruz playing like an MVP candidate, the cavalry arriving in the form of Chase Burns, and key players like Austin Hays nearing a return, the momentum is undeniable. Fasten your seatbelts for Burns' debut—the rest of this series against the Yankees just became must-see TV.
