During the Cincinnati Reds’ 3‑2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, a single play captured the nation’s attention. After Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández hit a line drive to center that bounced to the wall, he attempted to turn the hit into an inside‑the‑park home run. Reds left‑fielder JJ Bleday retrieved the ball near third base and fired it to center‑field star Elly De La Cruz, who was positioned shallow in center.
De La Cruz caught Bleday’s toss and, without hesitation, launched a 105.3 mph strike toward home plate. Reds catcher José Treviño fielded the ball and slid in to tag Hernández, recording the out. The throw ranks as the second‑fastest outfield assist since Statcast began tracking throws in 2015, trailing only Aaron Hicks’ 105.5 mph effort in 2016.
Manager and teammates laud the effort
Reds manager Terry Francona praised the play, saying, “That was one of the better throws you’ll ever see, I mean, ever. I know I turn on the old things and you see Dave Parker or somebody making throws or Clemente; they might be showing that one now.” Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo added, “Every time he throws a ball, it’s an absolute rocket. It was a great throw, and it was a great pick by (Trevino) to stay with that and make the tag. A lot of credit to both guys there.”
De La Cruz’s impact beyond the relay
De La Cruz’s contributions extended beyond the defensive gem. Earlier in the third inning, he smashed a 444‑foot two‑run home run off Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal’s 87 mph changeup, tying the game at 2‑2. The blast marked his fourth consecutive game with a home run and his 25th of the season. Through 126 games, De La Cruz is batting .283 with 25 stolen bases, 69 RBIs and 25 homers.
When asked about the velocity of his throw, De La Cruz admitted, “I thought it was like 98, 99 mph. I didn’t know; it was not hard.” His modest reaction underscores the natural talent that has made him a two‑time All‑Star and a fan favorite in Cincinnati.
Historical context of the throw
Statcast data shows that only New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks has recorded a faster outfield assist, reaching 105.5 mph in 2016. De La Cruz’s 105.3 mph effort places him among an elite group of outfielders capable of delivering game‑changing throws with pinpoint accuracy.
The Reds will look to build on De La Cruz’s electrifying play as they continue their season, hoping his arm strength and offensive production can help turn close games into victories.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
