Elly De La Cruz in run at third. Loudest ovation I’ve heard for a pinch-runner since, well, Billy Hamilton. #reds

D-Backs pitching coach Brent Strom mentioned before the game that between the minors and majors, base stealers are 31-for-31 stealing third against Pfaadt and 52-of-57 stealing second. #Reds’ problem? Zero base runners since the first.

Elly and Joey Show send Reds to their 12th straight fayonthereds.com/2023/06/23/…

Asked for a comparison to Cruz, Votto said: "Has there ever been -- and this is extreme -- a better switch-hitting, speed/power guy? The only comp I can think of is Mickey Mantle, a young Mickey Mantle. That's unfair to Elly in with one of the greatest players, but. . . ” #red

My niece’s mom had a ticket connection, so she said a couple of weeks ago: “Let’s plan on going June 23.” Good pick, Erin. #reds

Thinking about ending my retirement and coming back as a ticket scalper. De La Worth The Price of Admission. #reds

Elly De La Cycle. Anyone is going go for a triple in that situation. He made it with ease. First #Reds’ cycle since Eric Davis in June 2, 1989.

I thought I could live to a 1,000 and never see a 21-year-old Red and a 39-year-old Red do this in the same game. Good Golly Miss Molly. #Reds lead 9-7.

De La Cruz’s first hit was on a 95.8 mph fastball, homer was 77.3mph curve. #reds

Two-run shot by De La Cruz. 1st pitch. Never have seen anything like this kid. On the #Reds or any other team. 5-4 game.

Fraley cuts lead to 5-2 with his 10th. #reds

That double was 116.2 mph of De La Cruz bat. Had to leave a dent in the padding. #reds

2010 team also brought in Ramon Hernandez, 34, Orlando Cabrera and Scott Rolen, both 35, to get the team over the top. #reds

Was looking to compare this team to the 2010 team — the last time the #Reds were at the start of a good run. This team is much younger. The ‘10 team had 8 major contributors 27 or under. When Greene, Ashcraft and Lodolo return, this team will have at least 13.

I started doing my blog again after a 74-game break. I had a bit going on personally. This teams remarkably young. Here’s the link: fayonthereds.com/2023/06/23/…

Waiting for the gates to open. #reds

My blog is back, blame it on De La Cruz fayonthereds.com/2023/06/23/…

Great American Ball Park, meanwhile, is getting smoky. You see it in the lights and smell it. Can’t see the building lights in Newport #reds