Elly De La Cruz’s two-run homer, along with Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s impressive batting, helped the Cincinnati Reds secure an 8-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night, breaking the Phillies’ winning streak of seven games.
Santiago Espinal also contributed with three hits, including a solo home run in the eighth inning, marking his first home run since July 29. Fernando Cruz pitched for 2/3 of an inning in relief and earned the win for the Reds.
The Phillies’ recent winning streak was one of their longest in April, but they haven’t won eight consecutive games in April since 1953. Bryce Harper was absent from the game, as he is expected to return from the paternity list on Thursday.
“We were expecting a tough game,” commented Phillies manager Rob Thomson on Tuesday’s outcome. “Unfortunately, some things didn’t go our way. We’ll move forward from here.”
The Phillies managed to score one run in the first inning with J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm hitting back-to-back doubles. However, their offensive efforts were limited to just five hits, matching their season low.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s RBI double in the bottom half of the first inning helped the Reds tie the score.
Phillies pitcher Christopher Sánchez struggled, lasting only three innings and allowing five runs, one of which was unearned due to defensive errors by the Phillies. Despite striking out eight batters, Sánchez wasn’t as effective as usual.
“I didn’t perform as well as I wanted to,” admitted Sánchez. “I threw a lot of pitches, and that’s why I got taken out.”
In the fourth inning, Phillies center fielder Johan Rojas made a remarkable catch against the wall, but he was evaluated by the training staff afterward. Despite the scare, Rojas remained in the game.
