De La Cruz hits for cycle, Votto hits 2 home runs in Reds’ 12th straight win

Dazzling rookie third baseman Elly De La Cruz batted for the cycle, Canada’s Joey Votto launched tying and go-ahead homers, and the Cincinnati Reds extended their winning streak to 12 games Friday night with an 11-10 victory over a visit to Atlanta.

In a wild duel between National League division leaders, Cincinnati erased an early 5–0 deficit and ended Atlanta’s eight-game winning streak.

The Reds’ winning streak is tied for the second best in franchise history, tying the 1939 and 1957 teams for the club’s longest since 1900.

De La Cruz became the first Cincinnati player in 34 years to hit for the cycle. He rounded it off in the sixth inning with a triple that gave him four runs batted in.

The cycle was the seventh in team history, the fifth since 1900 and the first since Eric Davis accomplished the feat against San Diego on June 2, 1989.

De La Cruz wears the same number 44 that Davis wore.

I think this might be the best regular season game I’ve been a part of.— Reds manager David Bell on his team’s 11-10 comeback victory over Atlanta on Friday

“I can’t really put it into words right now,” De La Cruz said through a translator. “I’m happy and excited. It’s lucky that Eric Davis is one of the legends of this game and also in Cincinnati. Indeed, he let me wear that No. 44 jersey and the [first] one since he did, is incredible.”

Many in the sold-out crowd of 43,086 at Great American Ball Park chanted “Elly! Elly!” The big turnout came two months after a record low at the stadium of 7,375 on April 17.

“I think this might be the best regular season game I’ve been a part of,” said Reds manager David Bell. “I think a lot had to do with the atmosphere in the ballpark. Both teams played a great game. They came up short, but it showed what kind of team they are. It took a lot of great performances to win that game. “

19th multi-homer game for Votto

The Reds overcame a five-run Braves first inning against Luke Weaver, two homers from Matt Olson and drives from Travis d’Arnaud, Ronald Acuna Jr. and Austin Riley to earn their major league-best 27th comeback win of the season. Three Atlanta home runs were hit in the eighth.

Alex Young (3-0), the third of seven Cincinnati pitchers, retired the win. Alexis Diaz threw a hitless ninth for his 21st save in 21 attempts.

This is the most fun version of baseball I’ve ever seen.— Reds veteran 1st baseman Joey Votto on his teammates

Votto produced his 19th career multi-homer game in just his fourth game since being activated from the injured list on Monday. He tied the score in the fourth and gave the Reds a 9–7 lead with his three-run shot in the fifth. The six-time all-star and 2010 NL MVP missed about four months worth of games in two seasons as he recovered from surgery in August.

His non-doubters ran a combined 250 yards.

“This is the most fun version of baseball I think I’ve ever seen,” said Votto. “I’m lucky to be sixth on this team. I get to see the guys in front of me. I don’t get in the way. I get to watch these guys zoom around the bases in front of me. It’s not just because of the winning streak also I wouldn’t say that if our record was different.”

Jake Fraley, De La Cruz and Votto homered against rookie starter AJ Smith-Shawver, who blew a 5-0 lead.

Right-hander Graham Ashcraft (3-5) is expected to come off the 15-day injured list (bruised left calf) and will look to help the Reds extend their win streak at 4:10pm ET on Saturday.

J-Rod 1st Mariners Derby participant since ’99

This year’s Home Run Derby now has a hometown favorite: Julio Rodriguez of Seattle.

Rodriguez, who finished second in last year’s event to Juan Soto, said on Friday it’s a good idea to compete in front of his home fans. The all-star game is July 11 in Seattle, with the Home Run Derby the day before.

“This will probably never happen again in my career – to be able to do that for them on the home field will definitely be something I look forward to,” Rodriguez said ahead of Friday night’s game in Baltimore.

Rodriguez won rookie of the year honors last year and helped Seattle make it into the postseason. The talented outfielder hit 81 home runs in the Home Run Derby in Los Angeles, although he lost to Soto in the final.

He becomes the first Seattle player to compete in the Derby two consecutive years since Ken Griffey Jr. it did from 1997-99, winning in 1998 and 1999. And while it’s still early in his career, the 22-year-old Rodriguez seems well on his way to being the face of the Mariners franchise for a while.

Rodriguez began a 12-year, US$209.3 million contract with Seattle this season. It could be worth $469.6 million over 17 years if he wins two MVP awards.

Rodriguez recently became the second-fastest player to reach 40 home runs and 40 steals in his career, in 200 games.

Rangers are the only MLB team without Pride Night

All but one of the 30 Major League Baseball teams will host Pride Nights this season, most during Pride Month, which celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ culture and rights.

The Texas Rangers are the only team without Pride Night. They say they are committed to making everyone feel welcome at all games.

Has the team ever hosted Pride Night?

No. In September 2003, two years after the Chicago Cubs hosted what is believed to be the first Pride game, the Rangers invited local LGBTQ+ groups to a game as part of a fundraising event, similar to what they do for all sorts of people every season. do groups. There were some Rangers fans who objected via a website beforehand and, although not widespread, there were some protests outside the stadium before that match.

What is the Rangers’ stance?

The team was consistent in answering the question: “Our commitment is to make everyone feel welcome and included in Rangers baseball. That means in our ballpark, in every game and in everything we do – for both our fans and our fans.” as our employees. We deliver on that promise in our many programs to positively impact our entire community.”

Does politics play a role?

Texas has been dominated by Republicans for a generation, and state lawmakers and Governor Greg Abbott this year joined pressure from many conservative states to restrict LBGTQ+ rights.

The legislature passed new laws this year expanding definitions of prohibited sexual content in public appearances and in textbooks, and activists fear these measures will be used to crack down on drag shows and ban LGBTQ+ literature from libraries and classrooms.

Texas becomes the most populous of at least 19 states that ban gender-affirming care for minors. And public universities in Texas must dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion agencies and education programs by 2024.