The Reds fell to the Yankees 7-1 on June 26 as offensive woes continue. Elly De La Cruz homered, but Max Fried dominated for NY. Can Cincy break the slump?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tough day at the ballpark for Reds Country. Hopes of winning the series against the New York Yankees were dashed in a decisive 7-1 loss, where the Bronx Bombers looked every bit the part and the Reds' bats, unfortunately, did not. While the Yankees celebrated Max Fried becoming the first pitcher to 10 wins this season, Cincinnati was left searching for answers as a frustrating June slump deepens.
The Reds managed just four hits against Yankees pitching, continuing a June trend of offensive struggles. Over their last 10 games, the team has averaged just 3.2 runs per game.
The game got away from the Reds early, with starter Brady Singer unable to contain a relentless Yankees lineup. Singer was tagged for six runs (five earned) on nine hits over 5.1 innings, watching his ERA climb to 4.35. The Yankees' attack was widespread, with Jasson Domínguez and Trent Grisham both collecting four hits, while a two-run homer from Jazz Chisholm Jr. and an RBI double from Aaron Judge highlighted their offensive clinic. It was a stark contrast to the Reds' side, which couldn't solve Yankees ace Max Fried.
If there was one reason for fans to cheer, it was once again Elly De La Cruz. The dynamic shortstop was responsible for the Reds' only run, launching a solo home run—his 14th of the season—off Fried in the sixth inning. The blast quickly went viral on social media, a small consolation for a tough day. Beyond the homer, Elly finished 2-for-4, accounting for half of the team's total hits, and made a pair of spectacular defensive plays, including a diving stop that robbed Anthony Volpe. He continues to be a must-watch player, even when the team result is disappointing.
The loss magnified a troubling trend for the Reds: a collective offensive slump. The team managed only four hits all game, with Elly's homer being the only one for extra bases. This isn't a one-off issue; it's a pattern. The Reds are now averaging a meager 3.2 runs over their last 10 contests. For a team built with offensive potential, the inability to string together hits and manufacture runs is the primary concern as they fall further below the .500 mark. With no trades or roster moves announced, the solution will have to come from the players currently in the clubhouse.
Dropping the series finale in such a decisive fashion is a bitter pill to swallow. The Reds have to flush this one quickly and find a way to reignite their offense. While Elly De La Cruz provides daily highlights, winning baseball requires a full team effort. The bats need to wake up from their June slumber if Cincinnati hopes to turn things around and make a push in the second half.
