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Reds' Elly De La Cruz Drives in Game-Winning Run in 2-1 Victory Over Rangers
Cincinnati rookie's late-inning heroics complete series sweep in Arlington.
Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:35pm
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Elly De La Cruz, a 22-year-old rookie from the Dominican Republic, delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the 8th inning to lift the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers, completing a three-game series sweep in Arlington.
Why it matters
De La Cruz has quickly emerged as a rising star for the Reds, providing a much-needed offensive spark as the team looks to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The series win also keeps Cincinnati in the thick of the NL Central division race early in the season.
The details
With the game tied 1-1 in the 8th, De La Cruz came through with a clutch single to score the eventual winning run. He had earlier scored the Reds' first run on a wild pitch in the 4th inning. Cincinnati's pitching staff held the Rangers to just one run, continuing their strong start to the season on the mound.
- The game was played on April 5, 2026.
- De La Cruz's go-ahead hit came in the top of the 8th inning.
The players
Elly De La Cruz
A 22-year-old rookie outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, quickly emerging as one of the top young talents in Major League Baseball.
Cincinnati Reds
A professional baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, competing in the National League Central division.
Texas Rangers
A professional baseball team based in Arlington, Texas, competing in the American League West division.
What they’re saying
“Elly just has a knack for coming through in big moments. He's a special talent and we're lucky to have him leading the charge for us.”
— David Bell, Reds Manager
What’s next
The Reds will look to continue their hot start when they return home to face the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game series starting on April 7th.
The takeaway
De La Cruz's heroics have the Reds off to a strong 6-2 start, positioning them as an early contender in the NL Central. If the young phenom can keep producing clutch hits, Cincinnati could be primed for its first playoff berth in six years.
