Detroit, Michigan, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Elly De La Cruz (44) celebrates after he hits a two run home run in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Reds Star Elly De La Cruz Makes History, Blasts HR in 4th Straight Game

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Sam Connon | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 3:43 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds were already in the driver's seat, leading the Detroit Tigers by two runs heading into the ninth inning.

Elly De La Cruz provided some explosive insurance, all while etching his name into the franchise history books.

The 23-year-old shortstop, who already homered on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, was 2-for-4 with two singles when he got another chance in the top of the ninth. He wound up blasting a two-out, two-run home run to left-center to make it an 8-4 ballgame, locking up the win for Cincinnati.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, De La Cruz is the fourth Reds player to homer in four straight games before the age of 24. Frank Robinson established the club in 1959, while Johnny Bench and Eric Davis achieved the feat in 1970 and 1984, respectively.

Elly De La Cruz is the 4th Reds player to homer in 4 straight games at age 23 or younger, joining:

1984 Eric Davis
1970 Johnny Bench
1959 Frank Robinson https://t.co/1T3Tl7nE70
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 15, 2025

De La Cruz is now batting .273 with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and an .850 OPS through 72 games this season. The former top prospect is well on his way to a second All-Star appearance, after debuting at the Midsummer Classic in 2024.

The Reds, 7-2 in their last nine, will take Monday off before opening a series back at home against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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