Elly De La Cruz and the Reds aim to keep their momentum going against the Phillies…
In their final showdown of a four-game series, the Cincinnati Reds are poised to cap off a successful homestand and secure another victory against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Reds rallied for a thrilling 7-4 win on Wednesday, marking their fifth win in six games at home with just one matchup remaining.
Having already clinched the season series, the Reds boast a commendable record of four wins in six encounters against the Phillies this season.
Elly De La Cruz remains a driving force for the Reds, showcasing his prowess with three hits and three stolen bases in Wednesday’s game. His stellar performance not only contributed to the win but also highlighted his speed and skill on the field. With a career steal total of 50 in 122 games, De La Cruz has solidified his place among Reds players, second only to Billy Hamilton in reaching this milestone.
De La Cruz’s impact on Wednesday’s game was particularly evident in the eighth inning, where his timely steals paved the way for a crucial run scored on a sacrifice fly.
Reflecting on De La Cruz’s contributions, Cincinnati outfielder Will Benson expressed admiration for his versatility and ability to influence the game in multiple aspects.
Meanwhile, the Reds’ bullpen has also risen to the occasion in recent outings, with Fernando Cruz leading the charge. Cruz’s clutch performances in tight situations have been instrumental in securing victories for the team, showcasing his composure under pressure.
As for the Phillies, they anticipate a significant boost with the return of Bryce Harper from paternity leave in the series finale on Thursday. Harper, who delivered a standout performance earlier in the season against the Reds, is expected to add firepower to the Phillies’ lineup.
On the flip side, Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos has been struggling to find his form, enduring a hitless streak and facing challenges at the plate. Despite his physical readiness, Castellanos acknowledges the need to regain his rhythm and confidence to turn his season around.
In the pitching department, the Reds will turn to Nick Martinez, who transitions from the bullpen to make his third start of the season. Martinez steps in for Frankie Montas, who is sidelined due to an injury.
Martinez, with a stellar record against the Phillies in relief appearances, looks to carry his success into his first career start against Philadelphia.
The Phillies, led by Zack Wheeler on the mound, aim to counter the Reds’ offensive prowess with strong pitching and capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure a victory in the series finale.
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