Joey Votto singled to drive in Shogo Akiyama with the winning run in the ninth inning of the Reds' 4-3 win to salvage a game in the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. Akiyama was on base for the third time in the game. Votto lined a single to right center with one out off Giovanny Gallegos to allow Akiyama to score easily ahead of Tommy Edman's throw.
Votto has had a long career in Cincinnati. He is in the top 10 in a lot of the Reds' offensive categories but has struggled some this season. Tonight provided some relief and vindication for him. Votto fell behind Gallegos 0-2 but felt in control.
"I felt good when it was 0-2," Votto said. "I wanted to be instinctive. I wasn't doing much thinking. Early in the season, I may have complicated some things. I think at times you have to let go."
On Wednesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, Mahle surrendered Brad Miller's third home run in two days in the second inning but allowed the Reds to battle back, completing seven frames.
"My fastball was good today," Mahle said. "I was able to get a lot of soft contact with that. It takes some pressure off when your team comes back in the same inning you give up runs. It puts them on the defensive and won't let the momentum shift."
David Bell has relied on Mahle, who has been in the rotation due to injuries to members of the starting five and is starting to show he belongs.
"We are happy with and for Tyler," Bell said. "He showed this year and last year that when he gets in a groove, he can go deep in a game. He is going to factor in the rest of the year."
The Cardinals' veteran catcher Yadier Molina hit his second home run of the season leading off the fifth inning. In his 17th Major League season the 38-year old Molina has played more games (224) than against any other team. He has a .292 batting average against the Reds' pitchers with 25 home runs and 118 RBI.
St. Louis scored the third run of the game against Mahle with doubles by Tyler O'neil and Kolten Wong.
The Red replied again in the bottom of the inning. Akiyama was hit by a pitch and Tucker Barnhart launched his second home run of the season to tie the score, as he stepped on home plate in front of his idol, Molina.
Mahle finished with seven innings, allowing just four hits, walking two and striking out three. Amir Garrett and Raisel Iglesias maintained the tie through eight innings.
Genesis Cabrera, John Gant and Austin Gomber held the Reds through eight.
Iglesias created some drama in the ninth but ended it quickly. Miller opened with a single. Paul DeJong took some tough pitches but walked. The Reds' career pest Molina bunted to move runners into scoring position. The Reds elected to load the bases by walking Matt Carpenter. Iglesias struck out O'Neill and Lane
"Iglesias has been in that situation more than anyone," Bell said. "His back was against the wall. Joey is another guy who has been in that situation more than anyone. There is no one you would want up there in that situation more than Joey."
Iglesias has pitched through tough times this season and struggled as Votto has in this surreal season.
"After the single and the walk and sacrifice, I was able to refresh myself and focus on those two batters," Iglesias said. "This win is huge. It hasn't gone our way the last couple days. Hopefully this gives us momentum to win four or five games."
After escaping the jam, Iglesias took a seat to root for Votto.
"Ever since I've signed with the Reds I've had 100 percent confidence in Joey Votto," Iglesias said.
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