You may be interested in:Sister of baseball player Elly De La Cruz dies in Sabana Grande de Boyá
De la Cruz connected two hits, including a two-run homer, on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field during Cincinnati’s 7-3 loss.Genelis de la Cruz Sánchez died after an extensive period of health problems, according to reports from the Dominican Republic.
“We just told him we’ll support him in whatever he needs to do. He wants to play today and then we’ll see what happens,” said Reds manager Terry Francona before the challenge.
De la Cruz did not speak to the media before or after the game and preferred to maintain his privacy. Once he stepped onto the field, “RIP Manita” could be seen written on the back of his spikes in tribute to Genelis.
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On De la Cruz’s cap, there was a phrase written in Spanish followed by, “RIP Genelis”.
“It’s difficult. We care a lot about playing and winning. But suddenly, you’re reminded of what’s really important,” Francona commented after the game. “I think everyone was very mindful of him today, trying to take care of him.”
Batting in the top of the first inning, de la Cruz used extra time before the at-bat began to compose himself before entering the batter’s box. Facing an 0-2 count pitch from the Cubs’ starter, Jameson Taillon, de la Cruz hit a single to right field.
Cincinnati was losing 5-0 in the sixth inning with two outs when de la Cruz hit a fastball on a 3-2 count from Taillon for his two-run home run that went just past the right field foul pole. According to Statcast, the ball left his bat at 117.4 mph.
