Cincinnati Reds All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz endured an emotional Sunday as he chose to play one day after the death of his older sister, Genelis De La Cruz Sanchez.

De La Cruz honored her memory with “RIP” written on his cleats and hat for the game against the host Chicago Cubs. When he homered in the sixth inning, De La Cruz patted his jersey over his heart, pointed skyward and clapped before he crossed home plate, then made a heart gesture with his hands.

According to media reports, family members in the Dominican Republic said Sanchez died after prolonged, unspecified health issues.

Elly De La Cruz, 23, declined to speak with reporters on Sunday before and after the game, which the Cubs won 7-3. He went 2-for-3 with two RBIs, two runs scored and one walk. The home run was his

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