Elly De La Cruz hit a two-run triple in the 10th inning to break a scoreless tie, helping the Cincinnati Reds finish their season with a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.
De La Cruz connected with Ethan Roberts (1-1) for the key hit down the right field line on an 0-2 count after Luke Maile singled and Jonathan India walked. Tyler Stephenson followed up with a single to center that brought in De La Cruz, helping the Reds snap a five-game losing streak.
“Elly, before today, said he was going to get us that win and sure enough he came up big today,” said Reds interim manager Freddie Benavides, whose team had been shut out in the first two games of the series.
Tony Santillan (3-3) earned the win, and Buck Farmer closed out the bottom of the 10th for his first save.
The Cubs, aiming for a sweep of the Reds, only managed three hits since Cody Bellinger and Dansby Swanson were rested for the day.
Caleb Kilian made his first start of the season for the Cubs, giving up three hits and two walks while striking out four in five innings. Hunter Greene pitched the first four innings for Cincinnati, allowing one hit, three walks, and striking out three.
De La Cruz also stole two bases, finishing the season with an MLB-best 67 steals. He’s the first player from Cincinnati to lead the majors in steals since Bobby Tolan had 57 in 1970.
“I feel good about this year, really good,” De La Cruz said after playing in his 160th game. “I feel proud to keep my body safe and be able to play every day.”
Luis Vazquez got his first career hit for Chicago, which ended the season with an 83-79 record, matching last year’s results.
Cincinnati wrapped up the year at 77-85, which is five wins fewer than last season. The Reds have not had two winning seasons in a row for over ten years. The team will also be looking for a new manager this offseason to replace David Bell, who was let go last week after six seasons.
