Elly De La Cruz Shines with Torpedo Bat in Reds’ Dominant Win Over Rangers
April 1, 2025, was a night to remember for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. The Reds, led by the electrifying Elly De La Cruz, put on a show against the Texas Rangers, cruising to a 14-3 victory. The game was notable not just for the scoreline but for the debut of the trendy torpedo bat, which De La Cruz wielded with remarkable effect.
De La Cruz, a name that is quickly becoming synonymous with excitement in Major League Baseball, had a career night. Using the torpedo bat for the first time, he recorded a single, a double, and two home runs, amassing a career-high seven RBIs. This performance was instrumental in the Reds’ rout of the Rangers.
The torpedo bat, with its unique design that shifts wood lower down the barrel, has been the talk of the league. It resembles a bowling pin at the end, and its effectiveness was highlighted over the weekend when some New York Yankees players used it to sweep the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the buzz, Aaron Leanhardt, the former physics professor credited with the bat’s design, insists, “it’s about the batter, not the bat.” Reds’ manager Terry Francona echoed this sentiment, stating, “I think it’s more the player than the bat,” when discussing De La Cruz’s performance.
After the game, De La Cruz was asked about his choice of bat and whether the Yankees’ success influenced his decision. With a smile, he replied, “No, it was because of, ‘How’s it feel like?'” When asked if he would use it again, he simply laughed, suggesting that the results spoke for themselves.
This victory was a much-needed boost for the Reds, who had a rocky start to the season, losing two of three games to the San Francisco Giants. Brady Singer, making his Cincinnati debut, pitched seven scoreless innings, setting the tone for the game. The Reds’ offense exploded in the sixth inning, batting around to double their lead to 12-0. Matt McLain, who missed the 2024 season due to a shoulder injury, hit his third home run of the season, giving the Reds an early 2-0 lead in the first inning.
The 14 runs scored by the Reds were their most since a 19-2 victory over St. Louis on September 29, 2023. Francona praised McLain’s performance, saying, “It’s impressive because it’s cold out there. But I thought it was good for our whole ballclub. Let them get loose a little bit and have some fun.”
McLain and De La Cruz represent a youthful infusion for the Reds, a team that believes it can compete in the National League Central this season. Their talent was a significant factor in Francona’s decision to come out of retirement. When asked if De La Cruz’s performance was something to marvel at, Francona responded, “Yes, and I know I’m on the late show on that.”
Though it’s early in the season, De La Cruz is off to a hot start, hitting .438 with six runs, eight RBIs, and one stolen base. Reflecting on his performance, De La Cruz said, “I’m more in control, like more mature. I feel like I’m more in control, on defense and offense.”
On the other side, Texas rookie Kumar Rocker struggled against the Reds, allowing six earned runs in three innings. The Rangers, who started the season strong with three wins in a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox, found themselves outmatched. Jake Burger managed to hit his first home run for the Rangers in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late.
There was a moment of concern for the Reds when first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand was hit by a pitch on the wrist in the sixth inning. He remained in the dugout for the seventh, and Francona later stated that he was day-to-day.
- Elly De La Cruz: 1 single, 1 double, 2 home runs, 7 RBIs
- Brady Singer: 7 scoreless innings
- Matt McLain: 3rd home run of the season
- Reds’ most runs since September 29, 2023
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on De La Cruz and the Reds to see if they can maintain this level of performance. With the torpedo bat in hand and a youthful roster, the Reds are poised to make some noise in the National League Central.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
