Elly De La Cruz leads Reds to 8-4 victory over Twins with grand slam
- Elly De La Cruz hit his first big league grand slam during a six-run seventh inning.
- TJ Friedl contributed significantly with a home run and a squeeze bunt single.
- The Reds' victory improves their standing, while the Twins continue to struggle in their playoff race.
On Friday night in Minneapolis, Elly De La Cruz made a significant impact in the game by hitting his first grand slam in the major leagues during a pivotal sixth inning. This grand slam contributed to a six-run seventh inning for the Cincinnati Reds, leading them to an 8-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins. The Reds had a strong performance, with TJ Friedl also playing a crucial role by driving in the team's first two runs with a home run and a squeeze bunt single. The Reds' offense was bolstered by Ty France, who added an RBI double before De La Cruz's impressive home run, which soared into the right-field second deck. This marked De La Cruz's 24th home run of the season, showcasing his growing prowess as a hitter. The Reds' pitching was equally effective, with Julian Aguiar earning his second win of the season by limiting the Twins to just three hits over 6 1/3 innings, while striking out four batters. The Twins, on the other hand, struggled to maintain their momentum, suffering their seventh loss in ten games. Byron Buxton made a return to the lineup after recovering from a hip injury, contributing a home run, but it was not enough to turn the tide for Minnesota. As the season progresses, the Twins find themselves 2 1/2 games ahead of Detroit for the final AL wild card spot, raising concerns about their playoff prospects. The Reds' victory not only boosts their confidence but also highlights their potential as a competitive team in the league.