Elly De La Cruz Robs Friend with Diving Play After Pregame Laugh

Sometimes friendship takes a backseat to making an unforgettable play, and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz proved that with a smile on his face.

During batting practice before the Reds faced the Tampa Bay Rays, De La Cruz spent time joking around with his close friend Junior Caminero, the Rays' third baseman. Both Dominican players shared laughs and caught up on the field before the game started.

Then the game began, and friendship turned into fierce competition.

In the bottom of the third inning, Caminero crushed a grounder at 112.6 mph that looked destined to shoot past the infield. De La Cruz had other plans.

The shortstop extended fully to his right, making a spectacular diving stop that left his teammates and opponents stunned. He then popped up and fired an 89.6 mph laser throw to first base, getting Caminero out and grinning ear to ear as he did it.

"One of the greatest. One of the best ones, so far," De La Cruz said after the Reds' 6-1 victory.

First baseman Sal Stewart couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed. "I said, 'Damn, there's no way,'" Stewart admitted. "It just surprises me every time."

The play was crucial for Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder, who had struggled through a 34-pitch first inning. De La Cruz's defensive gem helped turn what could have been a long inning into a quick nine-pitch frame.

"That was insane. He's crazy," Lowder said after allowing just one run over six innings.

Sunny's Take

The best part came after the out was called. De La Cruz was laughing and flashing a huge smile while Caminero gestured back at his friend, showing exactly how he felt about being robbed.

"I'm not going to give him any food tomorrow," Caminero joked through an interpreter afterward. "We were talking about exchanging something, but I'm not going to give him anything."

Despite the competitive fire that led to the incredible play, Caminero kept things in perspective. "Elly is my brother, and that's just the game," he said.

It's a beautiful reminder that sports can bring out our best efforts while keeping our friendships intact. De La Cruz and Caminero showed that you can compete fiercely against someone you care about and still share a laugh when it's all over.