Elly De La Cruz became the third player to steal 100 bases in his first two seasons since the modern rule was introduced in 1898. He helped the Cincinnati Reds defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-3 on Friday night, ensuring that the Pirates would have their sixth consecutive losing season and their 28th in the last 34 years.
Tyler Stephenson matched his career high with five RBIs, and Nick Martinez (10-6) won his fourth straight game, giving up just two hits in six scoreless innings.
De La Cruz stole second base in the fifth inning and scored on Stephenson’s single, extending the Reds’ lead to 7-0. This was his 65th stolen base of the season.
The 22-year-old has a batting average of .260 with 24 home runs and 70 RBIs this year, following a rookie season where he hit .235 with 13 homers, 35 RBIs, and 35 steals in 98 games.
“We know he’s fast,” said manager David Bell. “Getting on base is a big part of that. He is going to get better at stealing bases.”
De La Cruz is the first player to hit 30 home runs and steal 100 bases in his first two seasons.
The last-place Pirates (72-82) have lost six of their last eight games. Martinez struck out nine batters, his highest total since June 11, 2022, and did not walk anyone.
“Nick’s been doing it all year for us,” Reds manager David Bell said. “Nick is just elite in everything he does, the way he prepares, the way he executes.”
Stephenson hit a solo homer in the first inning off Mitch Keller (11-11), a three-run double in a four-run third, and a run-scoring single in a three-run fourth, which helped Cincinnati take a 7-0 lead. He now has 19 home runs and a career-high 65 RBIs.
“The last couple games, I’ve felt like myself again. I’m just trying to drive the ball and stay aggressive,” Stephenson said. “We’ve seen Keller a lot. He’s a good pitcher. I just took advantage of the mistakes he made.”
Jonathan India also contributed with his 15th homer in the fourth inning.
