Reds’ McLain, De La Cruz Shine in Double Plays Amid Early Season Struggles

CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Cincinnati Reds‘ infield showcased strong communication and defensive prowess during their recent close matchup against the San Francisco Giants, despite ending in a loss on Sunday. The game highlighted the synergy between shortstop Elly De La Cruz and second baseman Matt McLain, who deftly executed multiple double plays that helped maintain the Reds’ lead during crucial moments.

On Saturday, Reds players relied on strategic communication when De La Cruz signaled to McLain to position himself closer to the third-base line with a runner on first and one out in the sixth inning. The decision proved beneficial as De La Cruz correctly anticipated that Wilmer Flores, who had already homered in the series, would attempt to pull the ball. When Flores connected with a pitch from Nick Lodolo, the resulting ground ball landed perfectly in McLain’s range, enabling a smooth transition for a double play and ending the Giants’ threat.

“If I was playing straight, I could’ve gotten to that ball,” Espinal said of De La Cruz’s instinctive call. “But he got there easier because he knew it was an important at-bat.”

This teamwork extended beyond the Saturday game, as the Reds secured multiple double plays throughout the contest, erasing potential scoring opportunities from the Giants. Emilio Pagán, a pitcher for the Reds, noted that De La Cruz and McLain’s chemistry and communication have significantly improved since they began teaming up more often. “We play good when we’re together. We’re comfortable together,” De La Cruz said.

Espinal, who joined the Reds last season, praised McLain’s intuitive understanding of De La Cruz. “They know which balls each other can get to, and the most important thing is the communication they have,” Espinal stated. “They communicate before every pitch. People don’t see that and can’t hear it.”

On the offensive side, McLain stood out as well. Despite a slow start to the season, he gained momentum with a home run on Saturday, continuing that performance into Sunday with another homer. McLain’s adaptability was evident, as he moved to the leadoff spot after batting second earlier in the season.

The game wasn’t without challenges, as fans voiced concerns over the Reds’ overall hitting performance. Gavin Lux, a newly-acquired player for the Reds, expressed frustration as he recorded minimal hits despite hitting several ball hard. His series of hard-hit balls, including a well-struck effort that was caught at the warning track, showcased the unpredictability of playing at Great American Ball Park.

Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged the offensive struggles but showed optimism regarding their ball-striking capabilities. “We didn’t get a ton of hits, but I thought we hit some balls really hard…there’s been some good at-bats,” Francona said.

As the Reds look to bounce back, focus shifts to their next series against the Texas Rangers, where they will face a familiar foe in manager Bruce Bochy. The Reds aim to sharpen their skills in preparation for the challenges ahead.

In terms of roster updates, several players are currently dealing with injuries. Andrew Abbott is on the mend after a rotator cuff strain, while Austin Hays and Tyler Stephenson are also nursing injuries but showing signs of recovery. The team anticipates their return may coincide with a busy road trip, highlighting the importance of their depth in the upcoming games.

The Reds have work to do as they look to capitalize on their strengths while addressing areas of concern in both pitching and hitting. With the evolving roster, the hope remains that they can maintain a competitive edge as the season progresses.