Reds’ Elly De La Cruz Needed Just Two Pitches to Steal Every Base, Including Home

Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz was a nightmare on the base paths against the Brewers on Saturday. During the seventh inning, after De La Cruz hit an RBI single, the 21-year-old proceeded to steal second, third, and even home in order to extend Cincinnati’s lead.

After taking second base with ease, De La Cruz broke for third base on the following pitch. William Contreras mimed a throw to third base but the bag wasn’t even covered as the rookie cruised in uncontested. He then took off his helmet before noticing a lack of awareness from Milwaukee’s infield. 

Seizing his moment, De La Cruz broke for home plate, beating the throw and nabbing his third stolen base in just two pitches. The added run gave the Reds a 7–5 lead over their NL Central rivals, and the dugout was fired up when De La Cruz returned from his base path heist. 

Talk about a heads-up play from the young speedster.

De La Cruz has quickly solidified himself as one of baseball’s fastest players, despite having played in just 29 games for the team. His triad of steals during the seventh inning brought his season tally to 16, as he’s wasted no time wreaking havoc as a baserunner. 

The Brewers experienced that firsthand on Saturday, with De La Cruz somehow managing to swipe all three bases in the span of just two pitches.