Elly De La Cruz Powers Reds to Series Win in Kansas City, Tyler Stephenson Getting Hot

On May 27, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds secured a commanding 7-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, clinching the series and showcasing their offensive and pitching prowess. The game, part of a three-game set, saw the Reds improve to 28-28, while the Royals dropped to 29-26. The standout performance came from shortstop Elly De La Cruz, whose two towering home runs electrified the crowd and powered the Reds’ offense. De La Cruz’s bombs, described as “massive” by MLB’s official account, were pivotal in building a lead that Kansas City couldn’t overcome. Brady Singer, facing his former team, delivered a masterful performance on the mound for Cincinnati. The right-hander pitched seven strong innings, allowing just two runs while scattering hits and keeping the Royals’ bats quiet. Singer’s command was evident as he navigated a lineup that has struggled offensively, with Kansas City ranking 13th in the American League with a .664 team OPS. His ability to settle down after a shaky start and pitch into the seventh inning was lauded by fans and analysts alike, with posts on X noting his “great job” and efficiency. The Reds’ offense complemented Singer’s gem with timely hitting. TJ Friedl reached base four times, including a bunt single, while Santiago Espinal chipped in with two hits. The team’s aggressive approach at the plate capitalized on Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV, who was making only his second start of the season after transitioning from the bullpen. Cincinnati’s early scoring set the tone, and De La Cruz’s homers in the middle innings put the game out of reach. Defensively, the Reds were sharp, with manager Terry Francona’s strategic decisions paying dividends. Ian Gibaut closed out the game, securing the five-run lead. The victory was celebrated across Reds’ fanbase, with outlets like FOX19 and RedsDaily4 highlighting the team’s balanced attack and Hunter Greene’s upcoming start for a potential sweep on May 28. Despite injuries to key players like Jake Fraley and Jeimer Candelario, the Reds showed resilience, leveraging their young talent and veteran leadership. This win underscored their potential in a competitive NL Central, setting the stage for a critical series finale.