CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds secured a decisive victory over the New York Yankees with a 6-1 score, thanks to standout performances from players like Elly De La Cruz. De La Cruz delivered an impressive night, hitting a home run, a triple, and driving in three critical runs. Spectators at the stadium witnessed a strong game as Gavin Lux also contributed significantly, launching a home run to bolster the Reds’ winning efforts. This victory marked the Reds’ second consecutive win, and they have now emerged victorious in 11 of their last 16 matchups.
On the opposing side, Yankees star Aaron Judge was the lone bright spot in the team’s offensive lineup. Judge captured his 28th home run of the season, accounting for New York’s sole run in the contest. Cody Bellinger showed competence at the plate, securing three hits for the Yankees in an otherwise challenging game for the team.
The Yankees, who have prominently featured a strong defensive lineup recently, faltered somewhat in this game. Their pitching staff, which until now maintained a noteworthy 1.99 ERA since mid-June, found difficulties as they allowed three earned runs, marking only the second such occurrence in 14 games.
In the crucial fourth inning, Cincinnati took control by scoring three pivotal runs. De La Cruz, showcasing his skills, tied the game with an RBI triple and then notably dashed home on Spencer Steer’s sacrifice fly to establish a leading score. Lux added to the lead with a solo home run to right field, hit off Yankees’ starter Allan Winans, who was making his debut in major league baseball.
Increasing the lead further, De La Cruz added another RBI through a single in the fifth inning and continued his dominating performance with a solo home run in the eighth. Meanwhile, Judge’s power was on display early in the game, launching a four-homer in 11 meetings against Cincinnati, sending a majestic shot into the upper deck in the opening inning off starter Nick Lodolo.
Pitching dominance from Cincinnati was demonstrated with Scott Barlow leading the relief effort, picking up the win while tossing 1 2/3 innings without relinquishing a run. The New York batting lineup, unfortunately, fell short in converting opportunities, going 0-for-12 with runners poised to score.
A notable defensive play came in the fifth inning when Jasson Domínguez singled for the Yankees, only to have Paul Goldschmidt’s potential hit robbed by Cincinnati’s right fielder Jake Fraley, who executed a leaping catch against the wall.
Reflecting on Cincinnati’s rising star, De La Cruz continues to impress with his remarkable June performance, hitting .309 with six home runs and 12 RBIs. Over his past four games, his form shined with a 7-for-17 record, including two home runs and a pair of RBIs.
Looking ahead, excitement surrounds Cincinnati as right-hander Chase Burns prepares to step onto the mound for his MLB debut. Meanwhile, the Yankees will aim to bounce back with LHP Carlos Rodón, who has a 9-5 record and a 3.10 ERA, taking the hill in the upcoming game.