In a nail-biting showdown at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds pulled off a stunning 5-4 walk-off victory over the New York Yankees in 10 innings, electrifying fans with a late rally that turned the game on its head. The Reds overcame a 4-2 deficit in the ninth inning, capitalizing on a critical error by Yankees reliever Clay Holmes to force extra innings before sealing the deal with a game-winning single by Elly De La Cruz. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for Cincinnati (43-37) and handed New York (46-33) its second straight loss, intensifying the AL East race. With the clock ticking past 10:52 AM +07, fans worldwide are still buzzing about this thrilling MLB matchup.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The Yankees appeared in control early, building a 4-2 lead by the seventh inning, thanks to a two-run homer from Aaron Judge and a solo shot by Jazz Chisholm Jr., who returned after his ejection drama against the Reds on Tuesday. New York starter Gerrit Cole delivered six strong innings, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out eight. However, the Reds’ resilience shone through in the ninth. With two outs and runners on base, Holmes, tasked with closing the game, uncorked a wild pitch that allowed a run to score, tying the game at 4-4 after Tyler Stephenson’s sacrifice fly.
Reds manager David Bell praised his team’s tenacity: “We never gave up. That’s the kind of fight we’ve been showing all year.” The momentum shifted decisively in the 10th, where De La Cruz, Cincinnati’s dynamic shortstop, delivered a walk-off single off Yankees reliever Tim Hill, plating the winning run. Reuters reported, “The Cincinnati Reds rallied late to beat the New York Yankees 5-4 in 10 innings on Wednesday, with Elly De La Cruz delivering the walk-off hit.”
De La Cruz Steals the Spotlight
Elly De La Cruz, the 23-year-old phenom, has been a catalyst for the Reds all season, and his heroics in the 10th cemented his reputation. Batting .260 with 15 homers and 35 stolen bases through 80 games, De La Cruz showcased his speed and clutch hitting. “I just wanted to get a good pitch and drive it,” De La Cruz said postgame, his smile lighting up the clubhouse. His single off Hill, who had entered with the bases loaded, sent the Cincinnati crowd into a frenzy, with fans on X hailing him as “the future of baseball.”
The play was set up by strategic moves from Bell, who utilized pinch-runner Jacob Hurtubise to exploit the Yankees’ defensive alignment. Hurtubise’s speed pressured New York, leading to the decisive hit. MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon noted, “De La Cruz’s walk-off capped a rollercoaster night, with the Reds overcoming a two-run deficit in the ninth.”
Yankees’ Struggles Mount
For the Yankees, the loss was a bitter pill after Chisholm’s return from suspension following his ejection on Tuesday. Chisholm’s homer tied the game at 2-2 in the fifth, but his team couldn’t hold the lead. Manager Aaron Boone lamented the late collapse: “We had it in our hands, and a couple of mistakes cost us.” Holmes’ wild pitch, his second of the season, proved costly, drawing criticism on social media. One X user posted, “Clay Holmes wild pitch strikes again. Yankees bullpen needs work!”
New York’s bullpen, a strength earlier in the season, has shown cracks, with a 4.12 ERA in June. The defeat dropped the Yankees to 46-33, narrowing their AL East lead over the Baltimore Orioles to 1.5 games. Judge, who finished 2-for-4, remained optimistic: “We’ll bounce back. These games happen.” However, the pressure is mounting as the trade deadline nears, with fans calling for reinforcements.
Reds’ Resurgence in the NL Central
The Reds’ victory boosted their record to 43-37, keeping them in contention for an NL wild-card spot, 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. Starter Nick Lodolo set the tone with five innings of two-run ball, while the bullpen, led by closer Alexis Díaz, held firm until the ninth. The walk-off win marked Cincinnati’s third of the season, a testament to their late-game heroics. ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted, “The Reds are proving they can hang with the big boys, and De La Cruz is leading the charge.”
Cincinnati’s young core, including Spencer Steer and Jonathan India, complemented De La Cruz’s heroics with key hits. The team’s 12 hits, including two doubles, showcased their offensive depth against a formidable Yankees lineup.
This walk-off thriller wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. The Reds’ late rally showcased their growing potential, while the Yankees’ stumble highlighted vulnerabilities in a tight playoff race. De La Cruz’s rising star and the teams’ contrasting fortunes make this series a must-watch. As the season heats up, this clash at Great American Ball Park will be remembered as a turning point for both squads.