'I believe you.' Why Reds manager Terry Francona accepted Elly De La Cruz's apology
A near-mishap was buried by the Cincinnati Reds' extra-innings win against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, but it was a mishap that still warranted addressing.
As Spencer Steer lined an RBI single to center field to score Matt McLain and re-tie Tuesday's game at Great American Ball Park in the 11th inning, Elly De La Cruz moved at less than full speed into second base.
Representing the would-be game-winning run, De La Cruz then took several relaxed steps toward third base and was at risk for being tagged out, although he recovered and returned to second base.
Elly De La Cruz talked to manager Terry Francona about his baserunning mistake in the 11th inning Tuesday night, June 24. "He told me 'never again,' and I said, 'I believe you,' " Francona said.
The game was still in progress. De La Cruz appeared to have forgotten what the situation was. Reds manager Terry Francona said he addressed the matter with De La Cruz following the game.
"I kinda told him I don't think the best players in the league − he's better than that," Francona said. "I didn't yell at him. I just told him how I felt. He came in later and he was about as good as you can be. He told me 'never again,' and I said, 'I believe you.' It was not a good mistake to make but his reaction was − that's what I care about more than anything."
From second base, no outs, and with De La Cruz's speed, an out on the play could have spelled disaster. As it was, De La Cruz would move to third base on a walk, and score on Gavin Lux's game-winning RBI single.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: 'I believe you.' Why Reds manager Terry Francona accepted Elly De La Cruz's apology
