Reds' Sluggers Crush Back-to-Back Homers in Spring Training

Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez's power display fuels Reds' 5-4 win over Royals

Feb. 25, 2026 at 9:56pm

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In a thrilling display of offensive firepower, Cincinnati Reds stars Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to lead the Reds to a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Kansas City Royals during spring training. The sequence showcased the emerging partnership between the young rising star De La Cruz and the veteran power hitter Suárez, igniting excitement about the Reds' lineup potential for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Reds are hoping this early spring training display of power from their key offensive pieces will translate into a deeper playoff run in 2026 after their brief postseason appearance in 2025. The chemistry and production from the De La Cruz-Suárez duo could become a cornerstone of Cincinnati's offensive strategy next year.

The details

De La Cruz started the explosive fifth inning with a 432-foot home run to center field, followed immediately by Suárez's blast to left-center. Suárez's presence in the lineup provides veteran leadership and proven power, as he returns on a one-year, $15 million contract after a 49-homer season in 2019. Despite leading the majors in errors over the past two seasons, the 24-year-old De La Cruz remains one of baseball's most exciting emerging talents, showcasing his power with 22 homers and 37 stolen bases last year.

  • The back-to-back homers occurred in the bottom of the fifth inning on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Elly De La Cruz

A 24-year-old shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds who is considered one of baseball's most exciting emerging talents, despite leading the majors in errors over the past two seasons.

Eugenio Suárez

A veteran third baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who returns on a one-year, $15 million contract after a remarkable 49-homer season in 2019, providing power and leadership in the Reds' lineup.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds who was initially surprised by De La Cruz's towering home run, but is still experimenting with different lineup configurations during spring training.

Carlos Estévez

A relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals who gave up the back-to-back home runs to De La Cruz and Suárez in the fifth inning.

Matt McLain

A Reds player who contributed with a 1-for-3 performance and a walk in the same game, and is a strong contender for the critical second spot in the Reds' lineup.

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What they’re saying

“When Elly hit it, I kind of put my head down. I'll stop doing that.”

— Terry Francona, Manager

What’s next

As spring training progresses, the Reds will continue to experiment with different lineup configurations, with Matt McLain emerging as a strong contender for the second spot in the order.

The takeaway

The back-to-back homers from Elly De La Cruz and Eugenio Suárez showcase the Reds' offensive potential and the emerging partnership between their young rising star and veteran power hitter, fueling hopes for a deeper playoff run in 2026.