Elly De La Cruz Delivers Key Home Run in Big Moment of Reds' Wild Card Push

Karl Rasmussen | Sep 23, 2025

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has 21 home runs on the season. / Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Reds' late playoff push hit a snare on Tuesday in their rivalry matchup against the Pirates, as Pittsburgh trounced Cincinnati starter Brady Singer for four runs in the second inning.

Needing a win to ensure they don't fall behind the Mets in the NL wild card race, the Reds were desperate to respond with some early offense of their own. Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz delivered the magic they were seeking, blasting a two-run homer to chop the Pirates' lead in half in the bottom of the second inning.

Entering last week, De La Cruz hadn't hit a home run since July 31, but he snapped his drought on Friday with a round-tripper against the Cubs. When his team needed him to deliver again, he came up with a clutch two-run shot to keep the game against the Pirates competitive in the early frames.

Elly De La Cruz gets two runs back for the @Reds with a mammoth homer 😱 pic.twitter.com/yvhUI5yXKz

— MLB (@MLB) September 23, 2025

De La Cruz is now up to 21 homers on the year, including two over the few days, and he's picked a great time to rediscover his power stroke at the plate. The Reds and Mets remain in a deadlock at 80–76 with six games left to play in the regular season, so every moment counts as the two teams try to secure their spot in the postseason.

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