Elly De La Cruz's historic 4th straight homer powers the Reds to an 8-4 comeback win vs. the Tigers on June 15, 2025. See how his heroics capped the rally.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think Elly De La Cruz can't possibly get any hotter, he rewrites his own record book. The Reds' electrifying shortstop extended his career-best home run streak to four games on Sunday, putting an exclamation point on a wild 8-4 comeback victory over the Detroit Tigers. It was the perfect ending to a grueling road trip, with the Reds showcasing their resilience and their superstar leading the charge back to Cincinnati with a full head of steam.
On the six-game road trip, Elly De La Cruz hit a scorching .462 with four homers, six RBIs, and eight runs scored.
It's hard to find new superlatives for Elly De La Cruz. The phenom was simply unstoppable on Sunday, going 3-for-5 and seeming to be in the middle of everything. He sparked the late-game rally with an RBI single in the eighth and then blasted a two-run homer in the ninth for good measure. That home run, his fourth in as many games, sets a new career high and solidifies his place as one of the most dangerous hitters in all of baseball right now. He scored three times, consistently putting pressure on the Tigers' defense and single-handedly changing the complexion of the game.
While Elly was the headliner, the go-ahead rally in the eighth was a full team effort, aided by some shoddy Detroit defense. The Reds hung a four-spot in the inning to flip a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead they wouldn't relinquish. The Tigers committed three costly errors that led to five unearned runs for the Reds throughout the game. Cincinnati made them pay with clutch hits from Matt McLain, a go-ahead RBI single from Will Benson, and an insurance run from Gavin Lux. It was a classic example of this team's scrappy identity: take what the opponent gives you and make them regret it.
A comeback is only as good as the pitchers who protect it. After starter Nick Lodolo's day was done, the Reds' bullpen was nails. The relief corps, including standout performances from Fernando Cruz and Alexis Díaz, combined for three scoreless innings to close out the game. They entered with the game on the line and completely shut down the Tigers' bats, ensuring the offense's hard work paid off with a victory.
Even as the big-league club celebrates a win, the front office is always looking toward the future. The latest farm system report highlights a familiar theme: the kids can pitch. Top prospects like Chase Burns, Chase Petty, and Rhett Lowder continue to impress and look like future cornerstones of the rotation. However, the search for impact bats in the outfield continues. While prospects Alfredo Duno and Tyson Lewis are showing promise, the organization knows that developing more offensive firepower to support the wave of pitching talent is a top priority for sustained success.
The Reds return home with a 36-35 record, a winning road trip in their pocket, and a superstar playing at an MVP level. The momentum is real. Now, they'll look to carry it into a homestand against the Minnesota Twins, with Great American Ball Park buzzing to see what Elly De La Cruz will do next. This team is fun, they're resilient, and they're officially back on the winning side of .500. Buckle up, Reds Country.
