Full Breakdown
Elly De La Cruz’s Historic Night Powers Reds to 7-2 Victory Over Rockies
4/29/2026, 1:00:33 PM
Reds Defeat Rockies 7-2 in Cincinnati
On Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Colorado Rockies 7–2. Elly De La Cruz supplied two of the Reds’ runs with a two-run homer in the eighth inning and an RBI single earlier in the third. Spencer Steer added a two-run blast in the third, while Edouard Julien contributed a solo homer and an RBI single. The Reds’ bullpen—Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan and Brock Burke—closed out the win.
De La Cruz Sets Historic Early-Season Milestone
De La Cruz’s eighth-inning two-run homer was his 10th of the season, making him the first major-league player since 1900 to record at least 10 home runs and eight stolen bases before May. He entered the game with nine homers and six steals, added two steals against Rockies starter Kyle Freeland, and finished 3-for-4 with two steals and four RBIs. Through 29 games, he is batting .291/.362/.590 with a .952 OPS, far above his .776 OPS in 2025.
Burns Reaches 100 Strikeouts in Record Pace
Reds right-hander Chase Burns (3-1) recorded his 100th strikeout in just 72 1/3 innings, the fastest in franchise history. He matched his season high with nine strikeouts, allowing two runs on seven hits and one walk over six innings. Burns began the game with a walk to Edouard Julien before striking out the side, and his 100th strikeout came against TJ Rumfield.
Background: Reds’ Surge and Rockies’ Struggles
Cincinnati entered the game with a 19-10 record, having won 10 of their last 13 contests and posting a 13-1 mark when scoring first. The team is 12-2 in its most recent 14-game stretch against Colorado. By contrast, Colorado sits at 13-17 overall and was attempting to rebound after a three-game sweep of the Mets. Rockies lefty Kyle Freeland returned from the injured list for his first start since April 7, but allowed four runs on five hits in five innings.
Key Statistics
- De La Cruz: 3-for-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 SB, 10 HR total, 8 SB before May.
- Burns: 6 IP, 9 K, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 100 K in 72 1/3 IP (fastest in Reds history).
- Reds: 7 R, 2 H, 0 ER; 19-10 record, 13-1 when scoring first.
- Rockies: 2 R, 5 H, 0 ER; 13-17 record.
Implications for Cincinnati’s Season
De La Cruz’s early-season production places him alongside Hall of Famer Tony Pérez, the only other Reds player to reach double-digit homers before May (1970). His combination of power and speed adds a rare dimension to Cincinnati’s lineup as the club seeks to extend its lead in the NL Central. Burns’ strikeout milestone underscores a strengthening rotation that could sustain the team’s recent winning pace.
Official Statement from the Reds
> “Elly De La Cruz is the first Major Leaguer since 1900 with 10+ homers and 8+ stolen bases before May ?” — Cincinnati Reds, @Reds (April 29 2026)
What’s Next
The Reds will host the Rockies again on Wednesday, with Rockies right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano (2-1, 3.42 ERA) facing Cincinnati left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-2, 5.40 ERA). Cincinnati aims to maintain its momentum as the NL Central race tightens.
