Joey Votto is the last player left with the Reds since their last playoff game in 2013.
Votto, who had several key hits in the Reds' 2020 stretch run, watched gleefully as Mike Moustakas, who has a World Series ring, hit two home runs to provide enough offense for the Reds' 7-2 playoff-clinching win over the Minnesota Twins.
The win combined with the Philadelphia Phillies loss to Tampa Bay and the Milwaukee Brewers defeat in the second game of a double header with St. Louis, clinched a trip to the playoffs for the Reds with two games to play.
"Better," Votto said. "We're good and we're better (than the playoff teams of 2010, 2012 and 2013), I really like this team and I loved those other teams. We're a F king nightmare."
Votto was referring to the effect on opponents.
"I can't wait for the playoffs," Votto said.
"Good vibes only," said Eugenion Suarez. It has been his theme for the Reds down the stretch.
Tyler Mahle started the game for the Reds and allowed a run in the third inning. Ehire Adrianza doubled to score Max Kepler with the game's first run. Adrianza didn't start the game, slugging third baseman, Josh Donaldson, had to leave the game with a cramp in his previously injured thigh.
Votto walked in the fourth against Jose Berrios. Moustakas lofted a two-run home run to center to give the Reds a lead they jealously guarded to the end.
Freddie Garvis hit his seventh home run in the fifth to extend the lead. Later in the inning Nick Castellanos singled with two outs to add a run to the lead.
Michael Lorenzen replaced Mahle in the with runners on second and third with one out in the third and extracted the Reds from the inning with a lead.
Amir Garrett gave up a run scoring single to Marwin Gonzalez in the sixth. Raisel Iglesias face the tying runs in scoring position in the eighth but held onto the two-run lead.
Moustakas faced young Edwar Colina, who replaced Homer Bailey on the Twins' roster this morning, gave up Moustakas' eighth home run leading off the ninth. Bailey pitched for the Reds in the 2013 playoff season. The Reds added two more runPs to put the game away.
Wade Miley finished off the Twins as the Reds won 10 of their last 12 games. The Reds record after the win is 30-28. On September 12, the Reds were 18-24 after a 7-1 loss to St. Louis.
"People counted us out," Amir Garrett said. "I don't know how we did it. I just know we did it. I am so proud of this team. I'm so happy. We won it for the fans of Cincinnati. Respect Cincinnati."
The Reds were issued T-shirts that said that.
Manager David Bell, who's grandfather, father and brother played for Cincinnati said, "It is very special it is a dream come true to wear this uniform."
No comments:
Post a Comment