Ohtani: Elly's 4-hit, 4-steal game 'very impressive performance'

Tom Ruminski• ·
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) attempts to steal third base during the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 16, 2024 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.
Icon Sportswire / Getty

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was left in awe after Cincinnati Reds phenom Elly De La Cruz went 4-for-4 with a career-high four steals during Thursday's game.

"He's a really good player," Ohtani said following the Reds' 7-2 win, according to Beth Harris of The Associated Press. "And very impressive performance."

De La Cruz, who also scored three runs, now has a staggering 30 stolen bases through 44 games after reaching the mark in the fifth inning:

The 22-year-old has more steals than over half the teams in baseball this season. De La Cruz is also on pace for a total of 110, which hasn't been done since 1985.

"Every time he takes the field, an at-bat, on the basepaths, I feel like we're witnessing something special," Reds right-hander Nick Martinez said when asked about De La Cruz's performance. "His strength plays in every aspect of the game."

De La Cruz is now slashing .277/.378/.516 with nine homers, 22 RBIs, and an MLB-best 30 steals in 2024.

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