Reds Beat Arch Rivals With Speed And Power

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The 1869 Reds were also undefeated after four games but given the 2014 Reds lost so many close games, 38 one-run losses, these first four are extra satisfying.

"It was one thing we didn't do last year," Billy Hamilton said after the Reds edged the arch-rival St. Louis Cardinals, 5-4

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Hamilton has been a key to giving the Reds' offense the extra push it needs to win close games. He has seven stolen bases in four games and been able to disrupt pitchers while they are facing a finally healthy Joey Votto.

Hamilton was on base when Votto launched his second two-run home run in as many days.

"Billy is the most exciting player I've ever seen," Votto said. "He creates chaos."

Votto hit another two-run home run with Jason Marquis, the starting pitcher, on base.  Votto had three home runs, eight RBI and a stolen base before he drew his first walk of the season, an issue in some areas of Reds' country that said he was too passive at the plate.

Jason Marquis had a rough start, walking two batters in the first inning, including Matt Carpenter who scored on a double by Jhonny Peralta.  After Votto's first inning two-run opposite field home run, Randall Grichuk hit a two-run home run off Marquis to give St. Louis a 3-2 lead.

"I don't know if it was excitement or what but I was rushing a little early on but I made an adjustment," said the veteran right-hander who pitched to both Cardinal manager, Mike Matheny and Yadier Molina while he was with the Cards.

"I don't know if it was adrenaline, his first game after a year, a game against his old team. There are plenty of reasons to be excited no matter what your age," Bryan Price said.

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Marquis, one of the best hitters in the game singled to start the third.  Votto hit his second home run of the game the 10th time in his career, he's done that.

Kevin Gregg put two runners on in his third of an inning. The Cardinals tied the game on a single by Heyward.

That set up Hamilton for the exciting finish. He walked for the second time, stole second and watched as the Cardinals walked Votto intentionally.  Hamilton scampered to third on a pitch in the dirt that Molina couldn't locate in time.  Votto stole second.  Hamilton scored on a fly to Heyward in shallow right.

"I was going no matter what," said Hamilton who slid home head first with the winning run.