Elly De La Cruz Makes History With Rare Cycle of Steals

Cincinnati Reds infielder Elly De La Cruz captured the attention of Major League Baseball during a June 2023 contest against the Milwaukee Brewers by completing a rare baserunning feat, stealing second, third, and home plate in succession during a single top half of an inning. According to Major League Baseball records, the sequence electrified the sports world and highlighted the explosive speed that established the young phenom as one of the most dynamic talents in the National League.

The historic sequence unfolded during the seventh inning at Great American Ball Park. After drawing a walk off Milwaukee relief pitching, De La Cruz immediately put pressure on the defense by swiping second base. He then stole third base before capitalizing on a lapse in the battery’s focus to sprint home, completing the trifecta and stunning the opposing infield.

Major League Baseball tracking data and historical archives note that stealing second, third, and home in the same inning is an exceptionally uncommon accomplishment. According to league historians, such a base-path progression requires a combination of aggressive baserunning instincts, precise timing, and defensive hesitation.

The electrifying sequence served as a signature moment during De La Cruz’s rookie campaign, establishing a baseline of excitement that followed the infielder into subsequent seasons. As the Reds continue to build their roster around young talent, opponents remain acutely aware of the immediate threat De La Cruz poses whenever he reaches base.