‘Rookie’ Ellie de la Cruz (21, Cincinnati) had a thrilling major league debut. Even though it was his first game, he flew like crazy.스포츠토토

On the 7th (Korean time), in the 2023 Major League Baseball match against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, USA, De La Cruz started as a third baseman and recorded 1 hit, 2 walks and 1 strikeout in 3 at-bats.

According to the MLB Pipeline, a site related to major league prospects, De La Cruz was ranked fourth overall in the prospect rankings. He wore the Cincinnati uniform in 2018 on an international contract.

And on this day, he finally made his big league debut. De La Cruz, who had his first at-bat with 1 out, 1st and 3rd base, calmly picked up a walk and got on base.

He produced his debut hit in his second at-bat. In the bottom of the third inning, where the score was 3-3, Dodgers starter Goslin hit a 92.6 mph four-seam fastball on the third pitch and pulled out a double. His first hit in his debut was a long hit. He was a fast hitter of 112 miles (180 km), cutting right-middle. De la Cruz made his way to second base effortlessly and gave a big smile.

De la Cruz also got on base in the third at-bat. In the bottom of the 5th inning, where the team trailed 3-8, he walked again with 1 out and 1 base. Afterwards, he advanced to third base due to an opponent’s error, but did not lead to a goal. At the end of the 6th inning, which was 5-8, I had an RBI opportunity on 1st and 3rd base with 2 out. However, he failed to report his first RBI as he retired on a grounder to second base. He finished the game by striking out in his last at-bat in the eighth inning.

On this day, Cincinnati took a thrilling 9-8 victory with McLane’s ending hit.

The applause continued after the match. MLB.com praised De La Cruz, saying “he looked ready for the moment.”

Cincinnati coach David Bell also said, “De la Cruz played the game leisurely and played with passion. He was himself.” It’s a difficult ball. It showed where he is as a hitter.”

De La Cruz said, “I’m excited about his first hit on his debut. I’ll try to hit more.”