The Reds fell to the Cubs Sunday night, but this game was about more than the final score for one player.Sunday’s game meant more than just a tally in the win or loss column.Elly De La Cruz lost his sister two days ago. Genelis died after a long fight with health issues.Just one day after the devastating news, De La Cruz insisted on playing, and he did so while donning shoes that read “RIP Manita, te quiero mucho.”Elly De La Cruz hit his 50th career home run for the Cincinnati Reds against the Chicago Cubs, a day after losing his sister, in a game that highlighted the emotional side of sports.In the third inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong continued to build his MVP resume with an RBI single, opening the scoring for the Cubs. A couple of batters later, Michael Busch hit a two-run homer, giving the Cubs a comfortable lead.But the play of the game came when De La Cruz smashed a home run over the right field wall. As he crossed home plate, he held up a heart and pointed to the sky, honoring his sister.”We care so much about winning, but in a hurry you’re reminded of what’s really important. So I think everybody kept their head on a swivel with him today just trying to take care of him,” Reds manager Terry Francona said after the game.

CHICAGO —

The Reds fell to the Cubs Sunday night, but this game was about more than the final score for one player.

Sunday’s game meant more than just a tally in the win or loss column.

Elly De La Cruz lost his sister two days ago. Genelis died after a long fight with health issues.

Just one day after the devastating news, De La Cruz insisted on playing, and he did so while donning shoes that read “RIP Manita, te quiero mucho.”

Elly De La Cruz hit his 50th career home run for the Cincinnati Reds against the Chicago Cubs, a day after losing his sister, in a game that highlighted the emotional side of sports.

In the third inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong continued to build his MVP resume with an RBI single, opening the scoring for the Cubs. A couple of batters later, Michael Busch hit a two-run homer, giving the Cubs a comfortable lead.

But the play of the game came when De La Cruz smashed a home run over the right field wall. As he crossed home plate, he held up a heart and pointed to the sky, honoring his sister.

“We care so much about winning, but in a hurry you’re reminded of what’s really important. So I think everybody kept their head on a swivel with him today just trying to take care of him,” Reds manager Terry Francona said after the game.