NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Cincinnati Reds star Elly de la Cruz hit an emotional home drive on Sunday against Chicago Cubs and paid tribute to his sister, whom he learned died the day before the game.
They la Cruz hit a two-run home drive and crossed the record twice in Reds’ 7-3 losses to the kids.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Cincinnati Reds Shortstop Elly de la Cruz, #44, is greeted in Dugout after hitting a two-run home drive against Chicago Cubs during the sixth round at Wrigley Field in Chicago on June 1, 2025. (David Banks-stated images)
Red’s manager Terry Francona said Shortstop wanted to play in the game despite dealing with the feelings of his sister, Genelis.
“He is so very proud to be available,” Francona said. “Guys like that, Carlos Santana in Cleveland was very similar, and for a child that is so young, it is an admirable trait.”
Francona added that times like these give a good reminder of what’s “really important.”
“We are so interested in playing a game and winning, but in a hurry you are reminded of what is really important,” Francona said. “So I think everyone kindly held his heads on a swivel with him today, just tried to take care of him.”
Rockies make unfortunate story with 50. Loss of the season
Cincinnati Reds’ Elly de la Cruz, #44, hits a two-run home drive during the sixth round of a baseball match against Chicago Cubs on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
De la Cruz’s Homer came out of the Cubs jug Jameson Taillon at the top of the sixth. As he crossed the home plate, he pointed to the sky and made a heart with his hands.
He refused to talk to the media after the game, and the reds did not give more details of her death, referring to the player’s wishes.
The Dominican Republic’s Z101 Digital reported that Genelis died on Saturday after a long health struggle.
De la cruz hits .258 with an ops of .786 in 60 games for Reds this season. He has 12 home runs and 42 RBI during that time.
Cincinnati Reds’ Elly de la Cruz, #44, showered with fake money in Dugout after he hit a two-run home drive during the sixth round of a baseball match against Chicago Cubs on Sunday, June 1, 2025 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Matt Marton)
Cincinnati fell to 29-31 with the loss to the kids.
