Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz homered for the fourth consecutive game Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the longest home run hit at Dodger Stadium in 2026. The blast was his 26th of the season, a new single-season career high surpassing his previous mark of 25 set in 2024, with weeks still remaining in the schedule.
The streak makes De La Cruz one of just 11 players in Reds history to record multiple four-game home run streaks in a single career, joining a group that includes Johnny Bench, Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Robinson, Tony Perez and Joey Votto. The Reds organization has highlighted the achievement as a sign of De La Cruz’s growth into one of the most dangerous hitters in the National League.
De La Cruz entered Tuesday’s game batting .352 against left-handed pitchers with a .662 slugging percentage and a 1.082 OPS, each of which led all of Major League Baseball. His overall batting average has climbed to .282 this season, the best mark of his career, while his power numbers have made him a central piece of Cincinnati’s lineup as the Reds push for playoff contention in September.
The 24-year-old Dominican infielder made his MLB debut in 2023 and has since been selected to the All-Star Game in both 2024 and 2025. His combination of speed, power and arm strength at shortstop has drawn frequent comparisons to some of the sport’s most complete athletes, and Tuesday’s home run added to a highlight reel that has included a 105.3 mph throw earlier this season that helped stop an inside-the-park home run.
The Reds have leaned on De La Cruz’s hot stretch as they navigate a tight race for a National League playoff spot, with his recent power surge coming at a point in the schedule when every game carries added weight in the standings.
Sources: MLB.com · Yahoo Sports
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