Cincinnati
Table of Contents
Cincinnati Reds Shortstop Elly De La Cruz Has Monster Game Using ‘Torpedo Bat’
In a season filled with surprises and breakout stars, few have captured the attention of baseball fans more than Elly De La Cruz, the electrifying shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds. Known for his blistering speed, remarkable athleticism, and effortless power, De La Cruz took his game to another level in one of the most memorable performances of the season—highlighted by his use of a “torpedo bat.”
The date was June 18, 2025, and the Reds were taking on a tough opponent, the St. Louis Cardinals, in a high-stakes divisional matchup. With the Reds fighting for position in a competitive NL Central, every game was crucial. But on this particular evening, the game became more than just another chapter in the season—it became a showcase of De La Cruz’s unbridled talent and a story that would make its way into the annals of Reds’ lore.
The Setting: A Rising Star Meets a Unique Bat
Elly De La Cruz had already been making headlines since his call-up to the big leagues, but this game marked a distinct shift in his career trajectory. Not only was he continuing to exhibit his signature abilities—blazing speed, aggressive baserunning, and exceptional defensive skills—but he was also introducing a new weapon to his arsenal: a customized bat that was as unique as his playing style.
The so-called “torpedo bat” had been a topic of much speculation and excitement in the Reds’ clubhouse in the weeks leading up to the game. Designed with a specially weighted barrel that was both more compact and slightly more rigid than traditional bats, the torpedo bat allowed De La Cruz to generate even more power with less effort. The idea came from a collaboration between De La Cruz, Reds hitting coaches, and a renowned bat manufacturer, and it was something that had intrigued both fans and critics alike.
The bat’s shape resembled that of a torpedo—shorter, more aerodynamic, and with an unusual tapering at the end of the barrel. Its slightly stiffer construction also resulted in a faster rebound off the ball, theoretically helping to add velocity to any hit. Critics were skeptical—could a bat so unconventional really make a difference? De La Cruz, however, was undeterred, believing that the bat was an extension of his own incredible physicality.
The Game: A Historical Performance
From the very first pitch of the game, it was clear that De La Cruz was on a mission. As he stepped into the batter’s box, the crowd at Great American Ball Park could feel the anticipation buzzing through the air. De La Cruz had been in a bit of a slump in recent days, but no one could have predicted what was about to unfold.
In his first at-bat, he took a fastball from Cardinals’ starter Adam Wainwright. Without so much as a second thought, he unloaded with an almost effortless swing, sending the ball soaring deep into the right-center field bleachers for a massive home run. The sound off the bat was unlike anything fans had heard before—a clean, sharp crack that echoed through the stadium. The homer was De La Cruz’s 13th of the season, but this one had an extra special feeling to it. The ball traveled an estimated 452 feet, and the combination of his swing and the power of the torpedo bat was simply undeniable.
The crowd erupted, and De La Cruz rounded the bases with a swagger that has quickly become his trademark. As he crossed home plate, his teammates gathered around him, offering congratulations, but there was no mistaking the look of awe on their faces. It wasn’t just the home run, it was the way he had done it. The bat, the power, and the timing all seemed perfectly in sync, as if De La Cruz and his new weapon were a match made in baseball heaven.
The night was far from over. In his second at-bat, De La Cruz once again faced Wainwright, who had yet to find a way to neutralize the young star. This time, with a runner on first and the Reds leading 3-1, De La Cruz did not disappoint. A hanging curveball came into his wheelhouse, and he sent it rocketing down the left-field line. This time, the ball didn’t leave the park—it rattled off the foul pole for a two-run double. It was a monstrous hit that put the Reds up 5-1 and gave the team the kind of cushion they desperately needed.
As the game wore on, De La Cruz wasn’t done. By the time he stepped into the batter’s box for the fourth time, the Reds were in full command, leading 7-3. The Cardinals had shifted their pitching strategy, but it was clear that nothing could slow down De La Cruz and his torpedo bat. In an almost cinematic moment, he connected with a slider from St. Louis reliever Jordan Hicks, sending it straight into the hands of the Reds’ left fielder as a deep line-drive single.
But it wasn’t just the hits that made De La Cruz’s performance so electrifying. He had been a constant threat on the bases as well. In the bottom of the sixth inning, with a runner on first, De La Cruz took a short lead, sizing up Cardinals’ catcher Willson Contreras. The moment the pitch was delivered, De La Cruz was off like a shot. He slid into second base just as the throw arrived, barely beating the tag for his 20th stolen base of the season. His speed was blinding, and the crowd stood in awe of his dynamic playmaking ability.
The Impact: A Changing of the Guard?
By the end of the game, De La Cruz had accumulated four hits, including two home runs, a double, and a stolen base. He had driven in four runs and scored twice, contributing significantly to the Reds’ 9-3 victory. But beyond the numbers, this game had become something far more significant.
As he walked off the field, bat in hand, it was clear that Elly De La Cruz was becoming the face of the franchise. The Reds’ future had never looked brighter, and with his newfound weapon, the torpedo bat, he seemed destined for greatness. The performance not only put the Reds on the map but also raised the profile of De La Cruz to a national level. Baseball analysts and fans across the country were buzzing about his potential, wondering if this was the start of something truly special.
In the aftermath of his monster game, De La Cruz was quick to deflect praise, crediting his teammates and the coaching staff. “It’s not just the bat,” he said after the game. “It’s the whole team. We’re all working together to push each other. I’m just trying to do my part.”
But regardless of his humility, there was no denying the truth. De La Cruz had put on a show for the ages, using his unique “torpedo bat” to deliver one of the most memorable performances in Reds’ history. And for fans in Cincinnati, it was a glimpse into the future—a future where Elly De La Cruz, with his blend of speed, power, and sheer talent, would lead the Reds back to postseason glory.
