New York Yankees vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions July 3rd 2024

Elly De La Cruz Powers Reds to Victory Against Yankees

Elly De La Cruz and Aaron Judge dazzled fans with their remarkable performances on Tuesday night. However, it was De La Cruz’s brilliance that led the Cincinnati Reds to a victory over the New York Yankees. As the series continues, De La Cruz aims to maintain his momentum and power the Reds to another win.

Elly De La Cruz’s Performance in Yankee Stadium

Elly De La Cruz’s debut at Yankee Stadium was nothing short of spectacular. In a 2-for-5, two-RBI night, he showcased his switch-hitting prowess and contributed significantly to the Reds’ 5-4 victory. His performance left his teammates and fans in awe, setting the stage for an exciting series.

Notable Achievements

De La Cruz’s feats have been historic. By the end of Tuesday’s game, he became the first player in Reds’ history to achieve at least 15 homers and 40 stolen bases within the first 85 games. This milestone places him alongside legends like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Rickey Henderson.

Graham Ashcraft’s Praise

Cincinnati’s winning pitcher, Graham Ashcraft, praised De La Cruz’s ability to rise to the occasion. He noted how De La Cruz consistently steps up his game, especially on big stages, making him a player to watch.

Aaron Judge’s Consistency

Aaron Judge continues to be a key player for the Yankees. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Judge hit his major-league-leading 32nd homer and raised his batting average to .321. His performance remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging period for the Yankees.

Yankees’ Recent Struggles

Since a dominant 8-1 win at Boston, the Yankees have been on a downward trajectory, going 4-11. They now find themselves one game behind the first-place Baltimore Orioles. Despite Judge’s contributions, the Yankees have been unable to capitalize on his stellar performance.

Manager Aaron Boone’s Admiration

Yankees manager Aaron Boone has expressed his admiration for Judge’s consistent excellence. Boone’s search for new adjectives to describe Judge’s impact highlights the player’s significance to the team.

Pitching Matchups

Carlos Rodon’s Challenges

Yankees’ left-hander Carlos Rodon is looking to bounce back after a rough patch. With a 9-5 record and a 4.42 ERA, Rodon has struggled in recent starts. His last outing against Toronto saw him allow eight runs on 10 hits, leading to a loss. However, Rodon’s history against the Reds shows promise, with a 2-1 record and a 2.76 ERA in three career starts.

Andrew Abbott’s Potential

Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott, who has been on a winning streak, will take the mound on Wednesday. Abbott, with a 7-6 record and a 3.41 ERA, has shown consistency in his recent performances. As a former Yankees draft pick, this matchup holds personal significance for Abbott.

Series Outlook

Reds’ Momentum

With De La Cruz leading the charge, the Reds are poised to continue their winning ways. His ability to perform under pressure and his historic achievements make him a pivotal player in the series.

Yankees’ Determination

Despite their recent struggles, the Yankees remain determined to turn things around. With Aaron Judge in top form and Carlos Rodon looking to regain his confidence, the team is focused on bouncing back in the series.

Conclusion

The ongoing series between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees promises to be an exciting battle. Elly De La Cruz’s impressive debut at Yankee Stadium and Aaron Judge’s consistent power hitting are key storylines to watch. As both teams vie for victory, fans can expect more thrilling performances and intense competition.

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