Cincinnati Reds’ stellar performance raised eyebrows during Wednesday night’s game. The Reds are presently in the midst of a four-game series against the Washington Nationals. In addition to winning the third game and taking the lead in the series, an unusual incident occurred involving the Reds’ shortstop, Elly De La Cruz, before his second-inning at-bat.
De La Cruz was called up from the minors last month as a replacement for the injured Nick Senzel. From his arrival, the infielder quickly became a key factor in the Reds’ ascension to the top of their division. Despite this, Nationals’ manager Dave Martinez attempted to disrupt the game with an unfounded accusation.
Cincinnati Reds’ slugger gave a perfect response
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The moment De La Cruz stepped up to the plate in the second inning, Martinez noticed something unusual on the top of his bat. Upon inspection, it was found to be an empty sensor cover. Despite this, the manager remained dubious about its legality, leading him to present it to the umpires for review.
The game then proceeded without the sensor on De La Cruz’s bat until it was reinstated in the third inning. Upon launching a colossal 455-foot homer to start the fifth inning, the 21-year-old infielder gestured toward the aforementioned knob before rounding the bases.
111.6 MPH
455 FEETELLY DE LA CRUZ IS GOOD AT BASEBALL pic.twitter.com/OV9D3jzccx
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 6, 2023
De La Cruz, the Reds’ rising star, insisted that his gesture was simply to assure fans that the empty sensor knob didn’t contribute to his prowess at the plate. However, fans find it challenging to believe that it wasn’t a subtle jibe at the Nationals’ manager.
The Nationals’ manager couldn’t deal with De La Cruz’s celebration
With the help of Elly, the Cincinnati Reds continued to stay at the top of their division by winning yet another game with a significant difference. In the post-game conference, Martinez got asked about the player’s celebration. Showing disappointment, his words read, “I am not trying to penalize this kid. I’m not. I love the way he plays the game. I didn’t like his antics after he hit the home run. We can do without that.”
Nationals manager Dave Martinez on Elly De La Cruz:
“I love the way he plays the game, but I didn’t like his antics after he hit the home run. We can do without that. He’s only got two weeks in the big leagues. But he’s gonna be a good player.”
(via @masnNationals) pic.twitter.com/qBwHqyzkLL
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 6, 2023
Martinez’s words eventually turned up against him as baseball fans on Twitter raged a war on Dave for doing what he did with De La Cruz. Have a look at what the fans are saying:
You insulted the man Dave… wtf you think would happen?
— Oil Can (@O_C_Boyd) July 6, 2023
So you are a good person telling a player he is cheating but when he knocks the ball out of the stadium and reacts to your outrageous claim makes him a bad person? 🙄
— David Browning (@WVBigDave1) July 6, 2023
So this is the reason the game is finally growing?
Yeah no one is gonna be taking Davey’s side in this. Acuna, Tatis, Vladdy, the game’s biggest stars play this way and it’s why the game is finally growing a little.
— zach ragan (@zachtnt) July 6, 2023
This fan used Martinez’s words against him!
I like the way Martinez manages, but I didn't like his antics in asking the umpires to check the knob on De la Cruz's bat. We can do without that.
— Doug Lang (@WakamowBar) July 6, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Meanwhile, this fan supported the Nationals’ manager,
I agree with Dave hate all you want. That kid has A professional baseball uniform on representing the Reds, himself , fans etc. If he was A 5 time allstar okay maybe. Years ago next time up to bat he would be wearing one. Times have changed unfortunately .
— Roger (@Roger774501171) July 6, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This game was not the first time when De La Cruz had used an empty sensor on the top of his bat. The athlete knew what he was doing, and he was sure that there was nothing wrong with it. After learning what Dave has to say about the young player, do you think the rookie did the right thing? If so, let us know in the comments below!
Watch this Story: Ranking the top 5 best lineups in baseball?