CINCINNATI (AP) — In a dazzling display of power and pitching, Elly De La Cruz shone brightly on Monday night, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a resounding 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Great American Ball Park. De La Cruz, who showcased his prowess with a single, double, and two home runs, notched a career-high seven RBIs, while newcomer Brady Singer dazzled on the mound, pitching seven scoreless innings in his Reds debut.
Acquired from the Kansas City Royals last November, Singer became the first Reds pitcher since Tom Seaver in 1977 to throw seven or more scoreless innings in his debut. The 28-year-old right-hander struck out eight batters, walked two, and allowed just one hit, demonstrating why the Reds were eager to bring him on board.
"I just tried to focus on executing my pitches and keeping the ball down in the zone," Singer said after the game. "It felt great to get that kind of support from the guys. Elly was incredible tonight, and it’s always easier to pitch with a lead like that."
De La Cruz opened the scoring in the first inning with a three-run blast to center field, giving the Reds a 6-0 lead by the second inning. This was his first home run of the season, and it set the tone for an explosive night at the plate for Cincinnati. He later added a two-run shot in the seventh, further extending the Reds' lead.
The Reds' offense was relentless, batting around in the sixth inning to double their advantage to 12-0. The 14 runs scored marked Cincinnati's highest offensive output since their 19-2 thrashing of the St. Louis Cardinals on September 29, 2023. Matt McLain, who missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, also contributed significantly, hitting his third home run of the season to set the tone early.
"We really came together as a team tonight," McLain said. "It’s great to see everyone contributing. Elly's performance was just phenomenal, and it’s exciting to have him back in the lineup. We’re looking to build off this momentum as we move forward in the season."
Rookie Kumar Rocker struggled on the mound for Texas, allowing six earned runs in just three innings. The 2022 first-round pick faced challenges throughout the game, giving up seven hits and walking two batters. His performance left much to be desired, especially when the Reds were connecting consistently with his fastballs.
"I just didn’t have my best stuff tonight," Rocker admitted. "I need to learn from this experience and come back stronger. The Reds are a tough lineup, and they capitalized on my mistakes."
Despite the lopsided score, the Rangers managed to put some runs on the board, with Jake Burger hitting his first home run of the season in the ninth inning. However, it was too little, too late for Texas, who fell to 3-2 on the season.
Cincinnati's performance was not without concern, as first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was hit by a pitch on the wrist during the sixth inning. He remained in the dugout for the seventh but was later reported to be fine.
As the series continues, the Reds (2-2) are looking to build on this momentum. They will send right-hander Carson Spiers to the mound on Tuesday, facing off against Texas's RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who is coming off his second consecutive opening-day start.
The matchup promises to be an intriguing one, as both teams aim to capitalize on their respective strengths. The game is scheduled to start at 5:40 PM CT, with fans eager to see if the Reds can replicate their offensive fireworks and if the Rangers can bounce back from this setback.
With the excitement of the season still fresh, Cincinnati fans are hopeful that this game marks the beginning of a strong campaign for their team. The chemistry displayed on the field and the standout performances from players like De La Cruz and Singer have certainly provided a thrilling start to the 2025 season.
As the Reds celebrate their commanding victory, one thing is clear: they are ready to make a statement in the league this year.
