The Reds waited out a rain delay of 3:36 only to have their spirits further dampened by the "Red Hot" Washington Nationals. Joey Votto however drowned them.
Votto had the second three-home run game of his career and a double to boot. His grand slam in the bottom of the ninth salvaged the three-game homestand and sent the Reds on a high to Atlanta.
"That was huge for us," Dusty Baker said. "Josh Hamilton had a great day the other day but this was right there with it. It is good to see Joey get going. Hopefully, this is the kind of game that will get us going."
After trailing all game the
Joey Votto had two to the Reds five hits through eight innings and they both left the yard, solo home runs in the first and the fourth. Mike Costanzo hit a sacrifice fly in his first major league at bat off Washington starter Edwin Jackson.
The Nationals owned the rest of the game. They banged 11 hits off Reds starter Bronson Arroyo in touching him for four runs. Sam LeCure and J.J. Hoover allowed one apiece.
The rain played a part in the Reds comeback after Votto doubled in the eighth. Teen sensation, Bryce Harper, lost Jay Bruce's fly ball in the haze and the Reds got to within a run at 6-5.
The Nationals flame throwing reliever, Henry Rodriguez, had trouble throwing the soggy baseball. Ryan Hanigan singled on a 3-2 pitch and Wilson Valdez bunted him to second base. Miguel Cairo popped to third.
Drew Stubbs walked so did Chris Heisey after falling behind 0-2.
Votto hit a 2-2 pitch onto the grassy knoll in right center for the 9-6 win.
"Usually in those situations, I'm just trying to put the ball in play. With two strikes I shortened up, but the ball carried. Rodriguez is really difficult to hit when he has command."
Votto's preparation over time led to this big moment.
"I've noticed some things and I've worked on them. I tried to take them from practice to the games. It's certainly a work in progress. The day to day grind is more my style than the big moments."
Still the dramatic win was something to hang his hat on.
"I think Washington wanted it as much as we did. We're trying to get every win we can. We're not a .500 team. This is the type of wins good teams get."
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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