The Rockies intentionally walked Elly De La Cruz three times. Here's how it worked

In a game that underscored the razor-thin margins of Major League Baseball, the Colorado Rockies deployed a highly unconventional and often criticized strategy against the Cincinnati Reds' phenom, Elly De La Cruz. Throughout the contest, De La Cruz was intentionally walked a remarkable three times, a clear signal of the Rockies’ profound respect for his game-breaking abilities and, perhaps, their lack of confidence in getting him out in crucial situations. This aggressive tactical decision, seemingly counter-intuitive as it puts a runner on base, ultimately proved to be a calculated gamble that paid significant dividends for the home team.

The strategic rationale behind these intentional passes was evident in the game's flow. With runners already on base, particularly in scoring position, and the formidable De La Cruz stepping to the plate, the Rockies’ pitching staff and coaching seemed to weigh the risks. Allowing De La Cruz, with his elite speed and burgeoning power, to potentially clear the bases or advance runners further was deemed a greater threat than conceding a free base. By putting him on first, the Rockies effectively shifted the pressure to the subsequent batters in the Reds’ lineup, daring them to deliver the clutch hit that De La Cruz was being denied. This approach is a testament to De La Cruz's unique offensive profile, forcing opponents to reconsider traditional pitching philosophies.

What makes this strategy particularly noteworthy is its outcome. Despite receiving three free passes and having ample opportunities to capitalize on baserunners, the Cincinnati Reds collectively struggled to convert these scoring chances. Over the course of the game, the Reds left a staggering 11 runners on base, a clear indicator of missed opportunities. Crucially, five of those runners were in scoring position, representing prime chances to push runs across the plate. The Rockies’ gamble paid off precisely because the Reds’ batters following De La Cruz were unable to rise to the occasion, whether due to effective pitching, timely defensive plays, or simply a lack of clutch hitting. It transformed what could have been a disadvantage into a strategic victory, disrupting the Reds' offensive rhythm and preventing potential rallies from fully materializing.

This game serves as a compelling case study in modern baseball strategy, highlighting how teams are increasingly willing to deviate from standard playbooks to neutralize an opponent's biggest threat. While intentionally walking a batter, especially multiple times, can ignite fan frustration and put undue pressure on the defense, in this instance, it showcased a tactical discipline that prioritized run prevention above all else. For the Rockies, it was a high-stakes chess match where sacrificing the knight (a free base) ultimately protected the king (preventing runs). The Reds, meanwhile, will be left to ponder how they could not capitalize on the constant traffic on the basepaths, a stark reminder that getting runners aboard is only half the battle; bringing them home is the ultimate objective.