Reds stun Yankees 5-4 on June 25 as Elly De La Cruz walks it off in the 11th after Chase Burns' dazzling 8-strikeout MLB debut. Recap the thrilling win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights at Great American Ball Park just feel different. Wednesday was one of those nights. It was a game that had everything: the electric debut of a future ace, a gritty comeback against the mighty New York Yankees, and a walk-off winner from the most exciting player in baseball. When Elly De La Cruz's single dropped into the outfield grass in the 11th inning to score Matt McLain, it wasn't just a 5-4 victory; it was a statement. The Reds are for real, the winning streak is at six, and the future has officially arrived.
Chase looked like he belonged from the first pitch.
All eyes were on Chase Burns as he took the mound for his highly anticipated MLB debut, and the top prospect did not disappoint. Facing a potent Yankees lineup, Burns showcased the dominant stuff that made him a first-round pick, striking out eight batters over five innings. While he allowed three earned runs, including a homer to Ben Rice, his poise was remarkable. He attacked hitters with a blazing fastball and kept the Reds in the game, proving he was more than ready for the big stage. As Burns himself posted after the game, it was a 'Dream come true.'
A stellar debut and a walk-off win don't happen without the offense doing its part, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand was the man with the plan. CES was the engine of the Reds' offense all night, driving in three of the team's five runs with a clutch double and a single. His ability to deliver with runners in scoring position was the bridge that carried the Reds from an early deficit to the precipice of victory. It was a classic performance from a player who thrives on big moments.
As the game stretched into the 11th inning, the tension was palpable. But this team doesn't quit. After a shutdown performance from the bullpen over the final three frames, the stage was set. Matt McLain started on second, and after a tense battle, Elly De La Cruz stepped to the plate. In a moment that's becoming his signature, Elly laced a single to seal the 5-4 win. It was another chapter in his incredible breakout season, where he now leads the team with 18 homers and 55 RBIs. When the game is on the line, there's no one else Reds Country would rather see at the dish.
This six-game winning streak feels different. It's not just a hot stretch; it's a validation of the team's core and a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come. With Chase Burns now in the fold, the Reds' pitching depth, already a strength with prospects like Chase Petty and a returning Rhett Lowder in the system, looks formidable. The challenge now is to keep this momentum rolling and prove this is the new standard for Cincinnati baseball. One thing is certain: you won't want to miss a single pitch.
