The Reds beat the Rays 7-2 on July 26, 2025, as Tyler Stephenson homered and Elly De La Cruz notched four hits. Get the full recap of the offensive showcase.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The summer sizzle continues at Great American Ball Park! The Cincinnati Reds put on an offensive clinic Saturday night, dismantling the Tampa Bay Rays 7-2 for their second straight win. Behind a powerful night from Tyler Stephenson, a four-hit masterclass from Elly De La Cruz, and a steady hand from Nick Martinez on the mound, the Reds looked every bit the part of a team hitting its stride.
Elly De La Cruz went a stunning 4-for-5 at the plate, raising his post-All-Star break average and reminding everyone he's one of the most exciting players in baseball.
The Reds' lineup was relentless from the start. Catcher Tyler Stephenson set the tone with a solo blast in the second inning, his 8th of the year, before delivering the knockout blow with a two-run single in the seventh. He finished the night with three crucial RBI. Not to be outdone, TJ Friedl continued his impressive power display, launching a two-run homer in the sixth—his 10th of the season—to give the Reds a commanding 5-2 lead. The hit parade included a 3-for-5 night for Austin Hays, and as a team, the Reds went 5-for-17 with runners in scoring position, capitalizing on their opportunities.
While the power numbers were impressive, the spark plug for the offense was once again Elly De La Cruz. The superstar shortstop was simply unstoppable, collecting four hits in five at-bats and scoring a run. His singles in the fourth and seventh innings were instrumental in setting the table for the big run-scoring rallies. Elly's post-All-Star break tear has been a sight to behold, providing a consistent threat at the top of the lineup and making the entire offense more dynamic.
A big offensive night is always welcome, but it was Nick Martinez who set the stage for the victory. The veteran right-hander was composed and effective, navigating five innings while allowing just two earned runs on four hits. He struck out five Rays batters and kept their offense from ever finding a rhythm. The performance earned him his ninth win of the season (9-9), providing the stability the rotation needs as the team pushes through the second half.
While the big-league club is firing on all cylinders, the future remains bright. The organization's recent 2025 draft class, headlined by first-round shortstop Steele Hall and promising arms like Aaron Watson and Mason Morris, injected another wave of talent into the system. With MLB Pipeline and Baseball America consistently ranking the Reds' farm system 11th in the league, and top prospects like Cam Collier, Sal Stewart, and Edwin Arroyo developing in the minors, the foundation for sustained success is firmly in place.
With the series against a tough Rays team already won, the Reds will go for the sweep tomorrow. This two-game stretch has been a perfect display of what this team can be: a high-energy offense, solid starting pitching, and an unshakable confidence. If they can keep this momentum rolling, the rest of the season is going to be a very fun ride for Reds Country.
