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Reds vs Pirates: Elly De La Cruz's Stellar Performance Sets Stage for Epic Showdown

As the Cincinnati Reds prepare to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates, all eyes are on shortstop Elly De La Cruz, whose recent performances have left fans and analysts alike in awe. In the last three games, De La Cruz has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting an average of .600 in one game and maintaining a .533 batting average across all three. His slugging percentage peaked at 1.4 in one game, contributing significantly to his overall OPS of 1.6.


Jun 24, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (6) throws to first to get Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (not pictured) out in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

On the other side, Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates has shown why he's a force to be reckoned with. Reynolds hit an impressive .667 in one game and maintained a .472 batting average over the last three games, alongside an RBI count that underscores his critical role in the Pirates' lineup.


The Reds' roster boasts other notable performers as well. Jonathan India stood out with a .750 batting average in one game and an overall performance that included a .583 batting average and an OBP of .667. Spencer Steer also made significant contributions with a perfect fielding percentage and a .361 batting average across the games.


Jun 24, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (26) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching for the Reds saw moments of brilliance as well, with Lucas Sims delivering a shutout performance in terms of ERA across his appearances and striking out nine batters per nine innings pitched.


The Pirates have their own set of stars shining through this season. Edward Olivares made headlines with a perfect 1.000 batting average in one game, while Oneil Cruz demonstrated power by hitting at a 1.000 slugging percentage during another match.


Jun 24, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Carson Spiers (68) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

As these teams gear up for their next encounter, it's clear that players like De La Cruz for the Reds and Reynolds for the Pirates could have outsized impacts on the outcome of this highly anticipated game.


Fans eager to catch this thrilling matchup should mark their calendars for June 26th at 1:10 PM Eastern Time. The action unfolds at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, with live broadcast available on BSOH network. This showdown promises not only to highlight individual talents like De La Cruz but also to offer an exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry between these two teams.

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