Elly secures 4th 30-homer, 30-steal season in Reds history
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TORONTO — With one stolen base needed for a 30/30 season, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that if Elly De La Cruz reached base for the Reds on Friday, he would not stand still for long.
In the top of the third inning against the Blue Jays after hitting a two-run double to put Cincinnati ahead, De La Cruz bolted for third base on Jose Soriano's first pitch to the next batter, Sal Stewart. He beat the throw from catcher Alejandro Kirk with a headfirst slide.
De La Cruz, 24, became the fourth player in Reds franchise history to hit 30 home runs with 30 stolen bases in a single season. The previous three were Brandon Phillips in 2007, Barry Larkin in 1996 and Eric Davis in 1987. All three players are Reds Hall of Fame members, with Larkin also inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
On Tuesday against the Braves, De La Cruz hit his 29th home run and notched steal No. 29. On Thursday, he slugged his 30th homer against Atlanta.