On Saturday night in Pittsburgh, the Cincinnati Reds found themselves in a nail-biting situation as they entered the bottom of the ninth inning clinging to a narrow 2-1 lead over the Pirates. Every pitch carried weight, and the margin for error was razor-thin. Fortunately for Cincinnati, they had one of their most electrifying players, Elly De La Cruz, ready to make a difference when it mattered most.
The Pirates, determined to spoil the Reds’ night, managed to get a runner on first base with just one out. That brought Nick Gonzales to the plate, representing the potential winning run. The count worked its way to 2-2 before Gonzales connected with a screaming line drive that looked destined to split the infield. But playing deep at shortstop, De La Cruz was in perfect position. In a flash, he snared the liner cleanly, and without hesitation, unleashed a blistering one-hop throw across the diamond to first base.
It wasn’t just a routine play—it was a jaw-dropping display of athleticism, timing, and pure arm strength. That throw, arriving on a hop yet still beating the runner by a step, sealed the force-out and ended the game in spectacular fashion. The crowd in Pittsburgh groaned, but the Reds celebrated what was not just a win, but a defensive highlight worthy of the season’s reel.
The play was the kind that showcased De La Cruz’s rare combination of speed, reflexes, and confidence. Pulling off such a throw under pressure—especially in the final moments of a one-run game—takes a special kind of player.
With that electrifying defensive gem, the Reds locked in their 61st victory of the season. And while they’ve had their share of thrilling moments in 2024, this might go down as one of the most exciting finishes yet.
