In the second inning, three Miami Marlins batters took Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott deep. The balls stayed in the yard, but it felt like a warning shot from a Marlins team that put up double-digit runs one day earlier.

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game has been around since 1933 and on Thursday evening Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz matched a rare feat in team history.

Jul 9, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) runs to second after hitting a RBI double in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images / Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

That area of the outfield was also used to for similar homages to Tom Browning, who died in December 2022, and Pete Rose, who died in September. More: 'More respect for Dave Parker than anybody': Baseball greats remember Cincinnati legendStart the day smarter.

Abbott (7-1, 2.15 ERA) has pitched well enough in 15 starts to help put the Reds at the fringes of the wild-card playoff mix – and maybe well enough yet earn a first All-Star bid the way teammate Hunter Greene did a year ago.

Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan would be an excellent addition to Cincinnati’s outfield.