Dodgers Slug Five Home Runs To Sweep Reds

Freddie Freeman, Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy hit home runs off Reds' rookie Hunter Greene to send the Los Angeles Dodgers to  a season series sweep in a 10-5 no contest.

Will Smith and Trayce Thompson added home runs off the bullpen to supplement the Dodgers power grid.

Greene, who has been outstainding at times, has a problem with the long ball.  The trio of home runs gave the 22-year old, first pick in the 2017 draft a Major League leading 20 home runs allowed on the season. He started the game second to Elisier Hernandez of Miami and Bruce Zimmerman of Baltimore.

Bellinger drove in the first run with a sacrifice fly in the second inning.  Freeman hit his eighth home run of the season and second in the series with a man on in the third.  Bellinger put his ninth home run of the season into the right field stands in the fourth.  Muncy connected on a solo shot in the fifth inning for his fifth home run

Freeman drove in 10 runs in the three-game series.

The put the first three batters on base against Clayton Kershaw in the fourth inning.  Tommy Pham beat out an infield single.  Kyle Farmer walked.  Donovan Solano singled to score Pham.  It was Solano's second hit of the game and third since returning from his season-long injury.  Ky ershaw shook off the adversity and struck out Matt Reynolds and Albert Almora Jr.  Nick Senzel flied out to end the threat.

Trea Turners's RBI double in the seventh off Jeff Hoffman scored Bellinger, who was on base with his second hit.  Universsity of Louisville's Will Smith hit his 10th home run of the season and second of the series off Hoffman in the seventh.

The Reds got back in the game against Phil Bickford in the seventh.  Senzel and Chris Okey singled to start the inning.  Jonathan India fouled out on a 3-2 pitch but Brandon Drury's second hit of the game plated Senzel.  Pham blasted his 10th home run of the year to center field to bring the Reds within three ruhs.

Dodger manager Dave Roberts had to bring on Yency Almonte to stop the bleeding.  Al monte gave up a double to Solano, his second of the game before retiring Max Schrock to end the inning.  

The Dodgers got one run back against Ross Detwiler.  Bellinger beat out an infield hit for his third of the game.   Freeman lined a single to center to score him with the Dodgers' ninth run.  Hunter Strickland got the last two outs of the eighth.  Trayce Thompson, who was acquired by the Dodgers at the start of the series connected for his first home run victimizing Art Warren.

Freddie Freeman Powers Dodgers For The Second Straight Day

Freddie Freeman broke a 4-4 tie with a home run off Ross Detwiler to push the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 8-4 win over the Reds.

Los Angeles tacked on three insurance runs in the eighth on a two-run double off Joel Kuhnel, who walked tow batters to start the inning.   Thompson, who was acquired on Tuesday to fill in for the injured Mookie Betts, scored later in the inning on a sacrifice fly by Trea Turner.

The loss was the Reds' sixth straight against the lead and sixth this season against the Dodgers, who swept the Reds in four games in Los Angles in April.  Cincinnati is now 23-45 with the worst record in the National League.

"Anyone who has been around this game, knows there aren't many shortcuts," David Bell said.  "We have to find ways to get better.  We have no choice.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to do that."

Donovan Solano connected in his first at bat to drive a lined double off the left field fence to score Kyle Farmer.  Solano's strained left hamstring prevented him from participation in Cactus League games in Goodyear, Arizona.  

Solano made up for lost time in the Reds' three-run second inning against Tyler Anderson, who started the game 8-0 on the season.   Matt Reynolds worked a walk and was forced at second by Albert Almora Jr., who barely beat the relay.  He was orginally called out but a replay allowed him to reach and extend the inning. Aramis Garcia plated Solano with an infield hit.   Almora scored on a wild pitch.

Reds' starter Luis Castillo allowed a run in the third.  With one out Trea Turner extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single.  Freeman was hit by a pitch.  Will Smith singled to make the score 3-1.  The Dodgers took the lead with a three-run fifth inning. 

Gavin Lux opened the inning with a double.  He went to third as Trea Turner grounded out.  Freeman delivered Lux with a single.  Smith singled for the second time.  Max Muncy walked to fill the bases.  Castillo hit Chris Taylor with a pitch to tie the score.  Justin Turner lined out to center and Smith scored.

"Freeman is one of the best hitters in major league baseball," Castillo said.  "I threw him a good pitch but he hit it where they weren't.  I give all the merit to him.  He put it in play with a good swing."

Anderson retired eight batters in a row before Almora tied the game with his fifth home run of the season.  The blast was lined into the left field seats just in side the foul line.  It was Almora's second home run of the series.

Jonathan India was hit by a pitch.  Brandon Drury doubled India to third with one out.  Tommy Pham lifted a fly to left.  India was cut down at home on the throw from Taylor to Smith to preserve the tie.

"If you know how the play is going to play out that it will be a perfect throw and a good tag, maybe you don't send him," Bell said.  "There have been so many plays just like that and J.R. sent the runner and they were safe.  I would have sent him there myself.  When an outfielder makes the perfect throw to get the runner, that's baseball."

Ross Detwiler took over for the Reds in the sixth.   

Castillo finished with five innings, allowing four runs on five hits, three walks and two hit batters.  He struck out six.  It broke a string of four straight quality starts of six or more innings for Castillo. 

"He didn't have his best stuff but he gave us a chance to win against one of the best lineups in baseball if not the best," Bell said.  "It says a lot when he can battle a lineup like that without his best stuff.  We have expected to see great performances from Luis but you know that is not always going to be the case."

Alex Vesia took over in the sixth for the Dodgers.  Anderson will remain undefeated, leaving a tie game after five innings.  He allowed four run, three earned on five hits and a walk. 

 

The Tale Of Two Tylers

 

Tyler Naquin was scheduled to run the bases for the first time to test his strained left quad.

"As soon as he finishes his base running step and feels good we will take the next step," David Bell.  "The medical staff will help him through it."

Tyler Stephenson had the cast taken off his right thumb an indication that the broken thumb is healing properly.   He has been on the injured list since June 10.  The prognosis was that he would be out of action 4-6 weeks from the time of the injury.  It will be two weeks tomorrow.

Donovan Solano is making his first start and appearance as a Red.  He is the 50th player to participate in a game for the Reds this season.   His strained left hamstring prevented him from participating in Cactus League games.

Solano will play third base and bat sixth.

Reds Losing Skid Reaches Five In Loss To Dodgers

 

Freddie Freeman hit a two-run double and a three-run triple. University of Louisville grad Will Smith hit a solo home run  and a sacrifice fly.lifting the Los Angles Dodgers to a 8-2 win over the slumping Cincinnati Reds.  It is their fifth straight loss and dropped them a season-low 21 games under .500.

Freeman had three hits and drove in five runs with a single, double and triple.

"Freeman is a tough out," Mahle said.  "He has a quick bat.  I feel like there is nothing I can throw him that will get him off balance.  He is never off balance at least against me."

Tyler Mahle , the Reds' ace, gutted through six shaky innings.  Mahle allowed 12 hits and a walk but only allowed four runs.  Reiver Sanmartin took over in the seventh.

"We're used to seeing Tyler do some special things," David Bell said.  "In some ways starts like tonight are even more impressive.  He kept us in the game like that against a good lineup.  He allowed some hits, taking nothing away from the Dodgers, that were well placed ground balls.  Tyler gave us all he had down to the last hitter."

Mahle has been going deep in games for the last month.  He gave up a lot of hits but the Reds were within two runs until the Dodgers added four runs in the eighth against the Reds' bullpen.

"I had to battle through six," Mahle said.  "It was kind of just that way todya. It wasn't easy but it could have been one of those outings that I come out early."

Sanmartin pitched a scoreless seventh but two reached on singles, including Trea Turner's infield single in front of Freeman's triple off Luis Cessa.

Tony Gonsolin gave up just three hits in five innings as the Dodgers' starter but two of them were solo home runs to Jonathan India, his first to lead off the Reds' first, the sixth time he's accomplished that as a leadoff hitter.  Albert Almora Jr. put the Reds ahead briefly with his fourth home runs in the second inning.

"Gonsolin settler in<' Bell said.  "We had the two home runs but couldn't get anyone on base."

Gonsolin made his 13th start.  His win over the Reds is his ninth in nine decisions, a perfect 9-0.  He retired the last nine Reds' batters he faced and 10 of the last 11 with only a walk to India to break the string.

The Dpdgers won 10 of his 13 starts and he has allowed less than three runs in any start this season.

Dodgers' leadoff hitter, Trea Turner had four hits to extend his hitting streak to 13 games.  Chris Taylor had three hits as did Freeman.

Joey Votto hit a single and a double to give him 1,000 hits at Great American Ball Park.

The Dodgers swept a four-game series from the Reds in Los Angeles in April.  The Dodgers have now defeated the Reds seven straight times.

Donovan Solano Joins Reds As The 50th Player Used In 2022

 

The Reds reinstated Donovan Solano from the 60-day injured list and placed LHP Nick Lodolo on the 60-day list.  Alexis Diaz was placed on the 15-day list on Sunday.  Solano will fill that 26-man roster spot.

The Reds signed Solano on March 16.  He was expected to be a key player off the bench, who can play shortstop to spell Kyle Farmer.  A strained left hamstring foiled that plan until today.

"He will play," David Bell said.  "We were really excited to acquire him.  It has been a tough reecovery for him but he's really going to help us."

Solano hit .345 in nine rehab appearances for Louisville.  He hit four doubles and drove in three runs.  He played six games at third base, one at shortstop and was the designated hitter twice.

The 34-year old who is on a one-year contract played in 101 games for the San Francisco Giants last year, mostly at second base.  He hit .280 with seven home runs and 34 RBI.  He had a .334 on-base-percentag and a .404 slugging percentage.

Solano has played for the Miami Marlins, New York Yankees and  Giants in his eight career (,277/.325/.372).

Brewers Use More Power To Sweep Reds

 

Hunter Renfroe hit his daily home run against Reds' pitching and provided Adrian Houser with enough runs for the Milwaukee Brewers to sweep the Reds in a 6-3 win.

The Reds drop to 23-43.  The 20 games under .500 is the low mark this season.

"We had a tough series against the Brewers," David Bell said.  "We've played them well in the past and wanted to keep the momentum going, so yes it was tough.  We get to do it again Tuesday.  That will be our focus. We have the day off tomorrow.  Sometimes it is easier to come right back but we really need it."

Like the first two games of the series the Brewers used the home run ball to jump out to an early lead.  Mike Minor of the Reds and Adrian Houser of the Brewers matched each other with three scoreless innings.

Andrew McCutchen a Reds' antagonist from his days with the Pittsburgh Pirates, nearly hit a home run but it hit high off the left field wall for a double.  Luis Urias doubled down the third base line to put the Brewers up a run.  Victor Caratini hit his fifth home run of the season for a three-run lead.

The Reds fought back in the bottom of the inning against Houser.

Tommy Pham drew his second walk of the game.  Joey Votto singled to right on a 3-2 pitch.  Pham was running on the pitch and made it to third easily. Kyle Farmer hit a ground ball to shortstop but beat the relay to score Pham.  Mike Moustakas walked with two out.  Albert Almora Jr. hit a two-run double to tie the score. 

The Brewers used two singles and a walk to load the bases against Minor in the sixth.  Number nine hitter Mark Mathias broke the tie with a sacrifice fly to left.

"I was getting frustrated," Minor said.  "I hung some change ups.  I made a change to my delivery. The change up has been my worst pitch.  It is usually my best pitch.  I hung a change up to Caratini.  It was really frustrating in my last inning.  I faced that kid (Mathias) in the minor leagues and on rehab.  He never swung at a curve ball.  I felt comfortable getting ahead with the curve.  He didn't hit it well but well enough to hit a sac fly.  That's not what I wanted.  I wanted him to hit a ground ball."

Joel Kuhnel replaced Minor in the top of the seventh.  Minor, who was looking to even his record at 2-2, pitched six innings, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks.

Hunter Renfroe hit a no-doubt home run with McCutchen aboard in the seventh.  it was his third in the series and 13th of the season.  

The Reds loaded the bases again in the seventh with two outs against Trevor Kelley.  Brandon Drury singled to center and Pham beat out an infield hit to the third base side of the mound.  The safe call survived the Brewers challenge.  Milwaukee manager Craig Counsel brought in Hoby Milner, a left hander, to pitch to Votto.  Milner struck Votto out on four pitches.

Devin Williams started the ninth for Milwaukee, looking to stay perfecher t with his fifth save in five attempts.  The Brewers regular closer Josh Hader is on paternity leave.  The Reds went down quietly.

Reds Shore Up Roster Add A Pitcher. Donovan Solano And Jose Barrero Coming Soon

 

The Reds recalled Dauri Moreta from Triple A Louisville and optioned TJ Friedl to the Kentucky metropolis.

"We're making sure we have what's best for our team," David Bell said.  "Moreta has been pitching well.  TJ has played really well.  There's not many starts right now.  What's happened over the last few days (getting India and Max Schrock back) he wouldn't be getting a lot of playing time.  He can go back to Louisville and play, so he's ready for his next opportunity."

"There is a good shot that Solano will be back by Tuesday," Bell said.

Nick Lodolo threw49 pitches against Durham last night.  He pitched two innings, allowing two runs on four hits.  He struck out six.

The Reds placed Alexis Diaz on the 15-day disabled list with right biceps tendinitis.

Jose Barrero, who missed spring training entirely with a broken left wrist, is playing daily in Louisville.

"I talked to PK the other day," Bell said. "He told me that Jose was playing a really good shortstop. He will be up here sometime this season."

Barrero is hittning .215 with five home runs and nine RBI in 24 games.

Brewers Over Power Graham Ashcraft And The Reds

 

Graham Ashcraft has been throwing the dickens out of the ball but unfortunately for the rookie Reds' hurler on this day the Milwaukee Brewers were hitting the dickens out of it.

Willy Adams hit the dickens out of a first-pitch fcut fastball that Ashcraft threw him over the centerfield wall with Christian Yelich on base to propel the Brewers to a 7-3 win.  It was the 13th home run of the season for Adames and fifth against the Reds this season.

Yelich scored on a double by Rowdy Tellez in the first inning.  Luis Urias doubled to plate Tellez with the third run of the inning.

The Reds faced Jason Alexander, who should never be mistaken for George Costanza of Seinfeld game  Alexander pitched around three hits in four frames to maintain the lead. TyBrone Taylor saved a run with a diving catch on a line drive by Brandon Drury to end the third.  It was oringinally ruled a hit and RBI but was overturned. 

"We hadn't seen Alexander but we knew he had good movement on his sinker, slider and change up," David Bell said.  "It was tough for both teams but the shadows this time of day made it tough.  He is going to win a lot of games here."

The Reds got a run in the fifth.  Nick Senzel singled.  Mike Moustakas walked.  They moved up a base on a slow roller by Albert Almora Jr.  Jace Peterson picked off a low line drive by Aramis Garcia.   Senzel scored when Adames couldn't handle Jonathan India's hard ground ball.

Ashcraft left in the sixth when he walked Omar Narvaez and Taylor singled to start the inning.  Reiver Sanmartin entered to face Peterson.  Peterson hit a hign chopper over the head of Moustakas at first for a two-run double. 

"I thought Ashcraft was pretty good," Bell said.  "He faced a good lineup.  He gave us a chance to win the game.  There were a couple of (bad) pitches.  He's not going to be perfect but he's been really good since he's been here.  He's competitive and very confident.  He's on the right track."

Ashcraft worked five-plus innings, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks.  It was his first Major League loss.

"I think I have to go back to making them hit the fastball before I go to my off speed pitches," Ashcraft said.

The Reds mounted a threat in the bottom of the sixth.  

Tommy Pham singled.  Joey Votto hit a hard line drive right to Taylor in left.  Kyle Farmer and Senzel singled to load the bases.  Moustakas hit a hard line drive to center that Jonathan Davis had to race to catch at the fence.  Pham scored.  Max Schrock hit a pinch hit single to score Farmer.  Miguel Sanchez relieved Alexander to face pinch hitter TJ Friedl.  The count went full but Friedl fouled out to Peterson at third.

"The pinch hit at bats that Schrock has taken since he's been here, you kind of look for opportunities," Bell said.  "He gave us the best chance to get back in the game."

Hunter Renfroe greeted Luis Cessa with his 12th home run to get one of the runs back in the seventh.

The Milwaukee bullpen finished the last 3 1/3 innings with scoreless baseball to give Alexander his first Major League win.  Conversley it was Ashcraft first Major League loss.

The umpires began enforcing a rule against pitchers wearing rings.  It has been on the books for awhile.

David Bell got a memo about it the other day but Ashcraft didn't know about it until the umpires told him.

Keston Hiura Hits Final Blow In Home Run Derby

 

 

it was the primal battle of the hunter and the hunted at Great American Ball Park on Friday night.

After a run starved first three innings, Hunter Renfroe slayed a Hunter Greene pitch with two men on to send the Milwaukee Brewers to a 3-0 lead over the Reds.

"I thought he would be sitting on a slider because that's how I've attacked him. I threw him a fastball and he was ready to go," Greene said.  "I just didn't execute some of my pitches.  This is the third time I've faced them.  They've seen all of my pitches.  I have to really emphasize executing all of them."

Milwaukee had the final say with the last of six home runs to take the first game of the three-game series in a 5-4 win over the Reds.   Keston Hiura's sixth home run broke a 4-4 tie in a home run derby.  Ross Detwiler was the victim.

Each team belted three home runs.

After a run starved first three innings, Hunter Renfroe slayed a Hunter Greene pitch with two men on to send the Brewers to a 3-0 lead over the Reds.

Greene allowed just two walks in three hitless innings but Rowdy Tellez and Andrew McCutchen opened the fourth with singles.  Renfroe shot a line drive into theis left field seats for his 11th home run.  Willy Adames hit a solo shot for his 12th in the fourth inning.

"We,ve come to expect each outing to be great and that just isn't going to be the case," David Bell said.  "He may have been as comfortable on the mound tonight but take away a pitch or two and it's another great outing.  He is doing great.  He's handling every thing.  That's part of the process."

Left handed  starter Eric Lauer tamed the Reds on two singles through four frames but after Mike Moustakas singled to right.  Albert Almora Jr. placed his third home run into the left field stands to cut the lead in half.

Jeff Hoffman replaced Greene in the top of the sixth.  Greene allowed four runs on four hits, including the two long balls.  Greene has allowed 17 home runs this season, one behind National League leader Elieser Hernandez. 

The Reds played hunter against Lauer in the sixth.  Brandon Drury hit his 14th and Tommy Pham followed with his ninth home run to tie the game.

Former Red draft pick Brad Boxberger entered in the ninth to try to nail the game down for the Brewers.  Kyle Farmer singled.  Max Schrock pinch hit a popped to third in his first at bat of the season.  TJ Friedl ran for Farmer.  Nick Senzel walked representing the potential winning run.  Moustakas forced Senzel at second. David Bell sent Joey Votto to pinch hit for Almora Jr.  Votto flied out to the warning track in center.  Boxberger earned his first save. 

"It was a great swing by Votto.  It just came up short.  To put together an at bat like that is what we expect but it is not easy.  He nearly won the game for us," Bell said.

Max Schrock Activated

 

Max Schroock went 5-for-5 last August 1, at Citifield in a victory over the New York Mets.

The 27-year old former St. Louis Cardianals' farmhand has been a offenxive weapon for the Reds as long as he can avoid injuries.  Schrock was in the midst of a strong spring when he strained his left calf in one of the Cactus League's final games at Arizona on April 4.  The Reds placed him on the 60-day injured list where he remained until Friday morning.

Schrock hit a solid .288 in 64 games last season with three home runs last season with the Reds.  He led the team with 16 total bases with a four-game hitting streak and five two-hit games before his injury.

The Reds have been playing with four players, nearly every day, who did not start spring training with the team.  Albert Almora Jr., Brandon Drury and Tommy Pham were signed after the spring started.  Matt Reynolds was claimed on waivers from the New York Mets in April after the season was under way.

The Reds placed Tony Santillan on the 15-day injured list with a sore back.  Lucas Sims was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day IL to make a space for Schrock.

In other updates, LHP, rookie Nick Lodolo will make a rehab start with Louisville in Durham.  "There is a shot that you could see him pitch potentially around the 28th," David Bell said.

Donovan Solano is close to returning.  He has been on the IL since spring training began with a strained left hamstring.  "He is doing well," Bell said. "He is real close to coming back.  I would say as soon as Tuesday, if every thing continues to go well."

Tyler Naquin is out with an injured left quad.  "He is ahead of his 4-6 weeks (time table)," Bell said.

Tyler Mahle Shuts Down Diamondbacks But Reds Lose More Than A Game

 

The Reds couldn't hold a 3-1 lead but the loss goes much deeper.

Tyler Mahle turned in his second straight quality outing and Joey Votto's first inning double put the Reds in control for eight innings but a blown save by Tony Santillan doomed the Reds to a 5-4 loss and a series split.

Tyler Stephenson had to leave the game when a foul ball slammed off his right thumb.  X-rays proved it to be a fracture which will keep him out of action 4-6 weeks.  That loss cut deeper than the game.

"Tyler is our number one catcher.  He's probably our best hitter.  He's our All-Star.  I don't know how that works or how many All-Stars there are but if he's not an All-Star I don't know what it takes," said Mahle who dominated the Diamondbacks with a well placed fastball.

Santillan entered the ninth with a 3-1 lead, seeking his team-leading fifth save.  Santillan walked Pavin Smith to set up the inning.  A wild pitch put him in scoring position.  Alek Thomas singled to bring Arizona within a run.  Geraldo Perdomo bunted to move the runners up.  Santillan's throw to second to get Thomas pulled Kyle Farmer off the bag.  It was close but the safe call held up under video review.

"It was a very, very close play," David Bell said.  "If he would have got that out, it would have changed the inning right there.  It made it really tough for Tony to get out of that situation.

The situation became worse.

Daulton Varsho, who got a butn single down on Monday for the only hit Arizona had, bunted the runners along.  He was the first out of the inning.  Josh Rojas singled to put the Diamondbacks ahead.  They scored another run when Matt Reynolds in a drawn-in infield couldn't get the ball out of his glove and had to settle for the out at first base.

"We all saw the same game," Santillan lamented.  "I fell behind guys.  Bad things happen when you do that.  The play at second. That's baseball.  I just have to get ahead of guys and give myself a chance."

Zach Davies started for the Diamondbacks and struggled in the first inning.  TJ Friedl, Brandon Drury and Tommy Pham singled to load the bases with no outs.  Votto shot a line drive past Pavin Smith at first base, scoring two runs.  Pham scored on a sacrifice fly by Kyle Farmer.

Two batters reached on Mahle in the first but a pair of strikeouts ended the inning.

From there, Mahle and Davies settled in.

Davies retired eight straight Reds' batters through the fourth inning.

ading fiMahle struck out the side around a two-base error by Colin Moran to record nine in five innings. He pitched around a leadoff double and a walk to post a scoreless six, increasing his strikeout total to 10.  He finished with six innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks.  The 10 strikeouts were two short of his career high.

Alexis Diaz relieved Mahle to start the seventh.  He pitched two scoreless innings.

Davies retired the 14 of the last 15 batters he faced, finishing with six innings, allowing three runs on six hits and a walk.  He struck out seven.

Reynolds hit his fourth home run with two outs in the ninth for the final margin.

Merrill Kelly Tames Reds Hot Bats For Diamondback Win

 

Merrill Kelly with the help of centerfielder Alek Thomas kept the Reds off the scoreboard for six innings in a 7-0 win for the Arizona Diamondbacks.  

Kelly, who spent four season pitching in Korea, allowed just single by Alejo Lopez in the first inning.

Thomas went above the bullpen fence to snag a drive by Joey Votto with a man on in the first inning.  It was a line drive that Thomas needed time to set up and leap, making the catch with his entire glove above the fence. 

The leaping catch and Kelly's offerings kept the game scoreless until Christian Walker unloaed his 15th home run of the season with a man on against Mike Minor, making his second start of the year. 

"Their pitcher did a nice job.  He kept us off balance," Bell said.  "We weren't able to square too many balls after Joey's. That was such a great swing.  If you've seen Joey play enough you know it is going to be over the fence or close.  It was a great catch."

Votto thought it was part of the game.

"I don't care for myself," Votto said.  "If you're a home run hitter you're going to have some taken away.  I cared for my team but personally, I don't care."

The Reds scored 21 runs in the first two games of the series until Kelly put a muzzle on the home team's offense.

Walker was with the Reds for three weeks in Goodyear, Arizona.  He broke in with the Baltimore Orioles in 2015 but was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves in late February of 2017.  The Reds claimed him from Atlanta on March 6 but Arizona on March 28.  He found a home in the desert, hitting 29 home runs for the Diamondbacks in 2019.  He hit 14 last season.  

Walker's home run with a man on put the Diamondbacks in the lead for the first time in the series.

Thomas robbed Votto again in the fourth with a sliding catch of a line drive

"It was a good step for Mike," David Bell said.  "He had a good fastball, slider.  He kept them off balance and got up to 80 pitches which will help him in his next start."

Minor gave up Josh Rojas fourth home run in the fifth.  It was his last batter.  Luis Cessa took over on the mound.  Minor pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on three hits and three walks.

"it was a step in the right direction," Minor said. "I left a couple of change ups over the plate but it was better."

The Diamondbacks added two run off Cessa, including Jordan Luplow's seventh home run.  They added another against Art Warren on a triple by Rojas and a single by Ketel Marte. 

Sean Poppen took over for Kelly in the seventh.  Votto finally slipped a line drive past Thomas for a double to lead off the inning but the next three Reds went out in order. 

Hunter Strickland walked in the Arizona's seventh run.

Graham Ashcraft Dominates Diamondbacks As Reds Bats Blaze

 

 

Graham Ashcraft shutout the Arizona Diamondbacks on three hits to win his third straight start in a 14-8 dominating performance.

Ashcraft made his Major League debut on May 22nd in aou no-decision win over the Toronto Blue Jays, in a starting opportunity created by a back injury to Connor Overton.

The 24-year old from Huntsville, Alabama won his next two starts in convincing fashion.  He allowed a total of one run in 13 1/3 innings.

On Monday Hunter Greene retired 20 batters in a row after Daulton Varsho started the game with a bunt single.  Varsho was thrown out trying to steal so Greene faced the minimum of 21 batters by retiring the last 20.  Ashcraft retired the first 10 batters and the 11th singled but was thrown out on a great stop and throw by Albert Almora Jr.  Ketel Marte hit a double down the line but Ashcraft rallied and got the next four batters.

"I'd like to think you can expect this type of outing everytime out," Ashcraft said.  "Really I'm just out there giving it all I've got and throwing the dickens out of it.  Everything was working.  I was getting a lot of swings and misses on my slider, my fastball they were late on."

As Ashcraft was sifling the jeweled snakes, Joey Votto continued his recent habit of hitting three-run home runs.  Votto reached the grassy knoll above the center field fence against Diamondback starter, Tyler Gilbbert, a left hander, in the first inning.  It was Votto's fifth of the season.

Votto's last three home runs have all come with two-men on base.

Almora Jr. singled home a run before the first frame concluded.

Brnadon Drury belted his team-leading 11th home run with Nick Senzel aboard in the second.  Tylerr Stephenson delivered Tommy Pham, who doubled as an encore.  Matt Reynolds hit a two-run home run, his second of the season to make it 9-0.

Ashcraft survived a lead off double by Jake Hager in his final inning.  He kept the shutout alive t angetting a ground ou briking out before striking out Varsho swinging and Pavin Smith looking.   Ashcraft finished with six scoreless innings on three hits.  He did not issue a walkd and struck out four. He dropped his season ERA to 1.14.

Jeff Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 seventh.  

For the second straight day the game was delayed by rain after the end of the seventh inning.

Jared Solomon entered the game in the eighth after the 63 minute rain delay.  Solomon hit Jordan Luplow witha pitch and gave up a double to Jake McCarthy.  Gager walked to load the bases.  Gerrardo Perdomo followed with his first career home run, a grand slam.  Solomon got two outs but allowed Marte's fourth home run of the season. 

David Bell was forced to bring on Joel Kuhnel, who got out of the inning.

Pham got one run back with his seventh home run off Noe Ramirez, who was in the Reds' system from the Los Angeles Angels from the trade of Raisel Iglesias.  

Stephenson's fifth home run with Votto on base pushed the margin back to seven. Reynolds hit a two-run single to drive in a career-high four runs.

The Diamondbacks put four singles togerther in the ninth for three runs before Kuhnel ended the game.

Journeymen Join Reds To Help Turn The Team Around

 

The Reds lineup that takes the field against the Arizona Diamonbacks on Tuesday includes four players who were not with the Reds when spring training started in Goodyear, Arizona.

Albert Almora Jr., Brandon Drury and Tommy Pham were signed after the late start of spring trainining.  Matt Reynolds came from the New York Mets after the season started.

Almora, 28, was a budding start in the Chicago Cubs organization.  He was the Cubs first pick in the 2012 draft out of Mater Acadamy Charter School in Hialeah, Florida.  He made it to the big leagues in 2016.  Almora has a .267 lifetime average but is hitting a cool .308 for the Reds in 21 games this season.  

The Reds signed him to a minor league contract on March 20 but Tyler Naquin, Jake Fraley, Aristides Aquino, Nick Senzel and Pham made the team out of spring training to fill in the core of outfielders.  Almara started the season on the Lsville Injured list.

His contract was selected on May 4 as Fraley, Naquin and Senzel spent time on the injured list.

"He is an instincual player.  He has a lot of experience.  He is 28 but he plays like he's been around a long time," David Bell said.  "He's been through a lot.  A lot of players don't come into their own until they are 30."

Almora can do a lot of things. He is a good defensive player and base runner. 

"He has made a lot of improvements at the plate that he believes in.  They are showing up," Bell said.

Drury signed a minor league contract with the Reds on March 21.  He made the team out of spring training.  Drury, who spent three seasons with the Diamondbacks, had a special relationship with Mike Bell.  Mike was David's brother, who died of cancer last spring, was the Diamondback's head of player development.  Drury has played in 47 of the Reds' 55 games.  He leads the team with 11 home runs and has a .266 batting average with 30 RBI,   Drury got the opportunity through injuries to Mike Moustakas, Jonathan India and Jose Barrero.

Pham was signed on March 26.  He was a prospect who became a regular with the St. Louis Cardinals when Bell was a coach in the organization.

'After a slow start from a short spring, Pham didn't have a hit in his first six games.  He was 0-for-19. Pham has brought his average up to .244 with six home runs and 21 RBI by hitting at a .270 clip.

Reynolds started the season with Syracuse, the Mets Triple A team.  He was called up on April 10 but designated for assignment on April 20.  The Reds' claimed him on waivers on April 24.

Since joining the Reds, Reynolds is hitting .275 in 33 games with two home runs and nine RBI.

"These guys really stepped in and made the most of their opportunities," Bell said.  "Our front office put a lot of time and effort into understanding these players and where they fit in.  Sometimes it is just depth.  Sometimes it turns out that these guys are major contributors.  It is kind of rare for this to happen but it shows how important each and every guy that we sign can be.  Not often do you have this many openings or opportunities for these guys to step in."

The openings are the product of 15 players on the Injureed List.  The Reds are a dismal 19-35 coming into the game but since a 3-22 start the Reds are 16-13.

"I have no idea where we would be if these guys hadn't stepped in," Bell said.

Hunter Greene Defangs Diamondbacks

 

Diamondbacks are poisonous but Hunter Greene had the antidote as he charmed the Arizona Diamondbacks into a tame species in a 7-0 Reds' win.

Daulton Varsho broke up Greens's no-hitter early.  The son of former Reds' back up catcher Gary Varsho, bunted for a hit as the lead off hitter.  Varsho was erased on a strike out, throw out double play when Tyler Stephenson threw him out stealing.

He retired 20 batters in a row after Varsho's bunt hit.

"I thought it was foul off the bat from my angle.  It was a great bunt," Greene said.

After that no one hit the ball on a line.  Greene struck out eight and got six lazy fly balls to the outfield, four pop ups to the infield and one ground out to Joey Votto at first base.

Greene faced the minimum 21 batters through seven innings.

"He mixed his pitches well," David Bell said.  "He got a lot of fly balls and pop ups because he set up his pitches.  He didn't try to do too much.  He will get his share of strikeouts but he doesn't have to strke everybody out.  He's had some good starts and a couple of great starts but this was his best."

Greene is learning his craft and reallizes that he can't get away with just throwing the ball hard down the middle of the plate.

"I kept it simple.  I didn't try to do too much," Greene said.  "In some of my past starts I've tried to do too much with my pitches.  Tonight I just said here it is and they seemed to go where they needed to be."

In his last two starts, one of which he won, Greene gave up nine runs in 8 2/3 innings.  He allowed three home runs in his win over Chicago.

"If I could do that every start it would be awesome.  I think I'll get. there the more I learn the hitters and about myself," Greene said.  "I talked to DJ. I give up a lot of home runs.  I throw too hard for them to have comfortable at bats.  I was a hitter, not professionalluty, but I still remember how unmfortable it is when a pitcher busts you up and in and then paints the outside corner.  I know I'm going to have my struggles but I'm working to keep a positive mindset.  It is too easy to let self doubt creep in." 

Former Arizona infielder and current Reds' home run leader, Brandon Drury hit his 10th home run of the season into the Diamondbacks bullpen in the first inning against Madison Bumgarner.  

Alejo Lopez doubled in the second and came around to score on an RBI single by Nick Senzel.  Kyler Farmer hit a two-run double past center fielder, Alek Thomas to put the Reds up 4-0 in the fifth.

"Bumgarner is a great competitor.  It was it was nice to get a couple of runs early, then get those add ons," Bell said.

Stephenson drove home two more runs in the seventh with a double to right center against Taylor Widener. Faemer was denied another double by Josh Rojas with a diving catch of a line drive at third base.  Albert Almora Jr. singled to score Stephenson with the seventh run of the game.

A hard rain descended on GABP in the inning, halting the game with two outs and Reds' runners on first and third with Aristides Aquino batting.

The umpires waited 46 minutes to make the call.  It was raining so hard and the wind was blowing.  The grounds crew had a difficult time getting the field covered.  There was a gap in the shortstop hole.  The grounds crew had to get a smaller tarp to fill it in.

Jonathan India Starts Rehab Tuesday Vladimir Gutierrez Won't Throw For Two Weeks

 

 

Jonathan India had an MRi on Monday and has been cleared to start a rehab assignment in Louisville on Tuesday.  The reigning National League Rookie of the Year has been out since May 1  with a strained hamstring.  The MRI was to make sure it was fully healed before sending him back into full action.

"He will need to play from five to seven games," David Bell said.  "He has been running the bases, fielding ground balls and hitting.  He had spring training and part of the season.  He just needs to get his timing."

India has responded well to full speed activities in a controlled environment.

Donovan Solano is also ready to start a rehab assignment.  Solano will need more time to get ready.  He missed all of spring training with a strained left hamstring.  Max Schrock out all year with a strained left calf is already on rehab with Louisville.  He is playing in left field.  

Vladiamir Gutierrez had an MRI too.  He has a strained UCL in his right forearm.  "He will not throw for two weeks," Bell said.  "There will be another couple weeks for him to build back up."

Reds Gloves Don't Stop The Nationals Base Running Error Dooms Comeback Castillo's Quality Start In Vain

 

 

For the fourth straight game the Reds scored two or more runs in the first inning for the third straight game the Reds were outschored, this time the Washington Nationals etched a 5-4 with to take the series.

The game ended when Nick Senzel, who represented the winning run was the victim of a back pick.  The Nationals were not holding Senzel on but called a pitch out from Steve Cishek. As the pitch came in, first baseman Josh Bell ran to me. base.  Catcher Keibert Ruiz threw down to nail Senzel for the final out of the game.

"It was my fault.  It should never happen," Senzel said.  "They made a good play but it should have never happened."

The Reds challenged the play but the call was upheld.

"I was safe. He never tagged me," Senzel insisted.

It has been tough 1/3 of a seas on for the Reds.  They stand at 18-35 and tomorrow's game against Arizona will mark the exact first third of the season.  The Reds have been hit by injuries but David Bell is sticking by his players.

"There is no easy way to lose when they are doing everything they can to win games,' Bell said. "Th.e appearance is that it came down to one play. That is not the case at all.  There are a lot of things that went into what happened this weekend.  These guys win as a team and lose as a team."

Bell insisted that the mistake was do to Senzel wanting to make sure he scored on a hit to the gap.

"You have to be aware of the situation," Bell said.  "You have to be aware of the back pick.  You have to be aware of a lot.  You're thinking of getting a good break; a good secondary lead.  You want to be aggressive and make sure you score.  It's no excuse but it happens.  It does happen."

Cesar Hernandez walked new Reds' killer Lane Thomas doubled to put runners at second and third with no one out.  Castillo looked like he could get out of the inning unharmed when hi retired Juan Soto on a hard ground ball right at Brandon Drury at third base.  Castillo struck out Nelson Cruz but Josh Bell, extended his hitting streak to seven games with a double down the right field line.

The Reds had an answer.

Nick Senzel singled to open against Nationa;s' starter Patrick Corbin then stole second.  One out later, Tommy Pham signled to score Senzel, taking second on the throw home.  Joey Votto doubled off the left field wall, scoring Pham.  It was Votto's 442nd career double that moved him one ahaead of Barry Larkin on the Reds' all-time doubles list. 

The failure of the Reds to turn a double play cost them the lead in the fourth inning.  Yadiel Hernandez singled. Keibert Ruiz walked.  Maikel Franco hit a hard grounder to Brury at third.  He threw to Matt Reynolds, who dropped the ball trying to make the pivot at second.  Insteadd of two outs and a man on third.  Washington had runners on first and third with one out.  Luis Garcia, who had three hits on Saturday, singled past Votto at first to tie the game, sending Franco to third. Cesar Hernandez hit a one hopper to Votto at first but Hernandez beat Kyle Farmer's relay as Franco crossed the plate to make it a 4-3 game.

Two scoring changes made those runs unearned.  Yadiel Hernandez's single was changed to an error onas  Farmer.  Garcia's was changed to an error on Votto.

Franco hit his fourth home run of the season in the sixth.e

Castillo pitched into the seventh.  He got one out but Thomas singled and Soto walked.  David Bell brought in Art Warren.  Castillo allowed three earned runs on six hits and four walks in 6 1/3 innings. 

This time the Reds' converted a double play off Warrne's pitch to Cruz.

The Reds made it a one-run game in the eighth.  Drury hit a slow ground ballTh to the right of the mound.  Victor Arano was injured trying to field it.  He was charged with an error as Drury reached base.  Pham beat the shift with a slow ground ball to second that didn't clear the infield off reliever Erasmo Ramirez.  Ramirez got Votto to hit into a 4-6-3 double play.  Tyler Stephenson's third hit of the game plated Drury.  

Steve Cishek came in to pitch the ninth for Washington, looking for his first save of the season. He walked Albert Almora Jr. but retired the next two.  Senzel beat out a ground ball to short representing the potential winning run.  The safe call survived a challenge.   Catcher Ruiz caught Senzel on a back pick that the Reds challenged and lost to end the game.

Jonathan India, Vladimir Gutierrez Get Examined On Monday Eight Other Players Still Out

Reighning Rookie of the Year Jonathan Indea and the Reds best rookie pitcher from last season are getting an MRI on Monday.

India has been working out under controlled conditions but the Reds insist that he be fully healed before he is placed in a compeitive rehab assignment.  India has been out with a strained right hamstring since May 1

Gutierrez was converted from a starter to the bullpen.  He made two relief appearances before feeling ightness in his right forearm.  "It is something we are going to take a look at.  Transitioninsg duriong a major league season, even though he only threw one inning and part of an inning, it is totally different.  It is a totally different routine.  It was definiftley a decision I made.and thought he could handle. I want to make certain if it was circumstantial or something, I could have done differently," David Bell said.

Tyler Naquin is back on the IL with a left quad injury. It is thought that he will be out at least a month.

Donavan Solano, who has been out all yeare with a left hamstring is getting close to a rehab assignment.  Max Schrock, who has also been out all yeare with a left calf injury, is already on a rehab assignement . He will not play today and Louisville is off tomorrow.  He has been dealing in unrelated general sorenesss.

Albert Almora Jr. Slam Negated By Juan Soto's Pair Of Blasts In Washington Win

 

Albert Amora Jr. hit a grand slam home run but Juan Soto hit two home runs and Maikel Franco's key two out hit gave the Washington Nationals a come-from-behind, 10-8 win. 

Hunter Strickland was trying to work out of a first and third and no-out jam in the ninth, whenFranco's third hit of the game drove in pinch runner Victor Robles.  Nelson Cruz' third hit of the game and Josh Bell's single that extended his hitting streak to five games, set up the winning run.

Strickland struck out Yadiel Hernandez and second baseman Matt Reynolds gloved Keibert Ruiz' line drive but Franco lined his single to center.  Luis Garcia added insurance with a two-run single to give Tanner Rainey a three-run lead to protect for his sixth save.

Almora's second home run of the year came against Jordan Weems after Mike Moustakas worked an 11-pitch walk with the bases loaded to tie the game.  Moustakas fouled off five two-strike pitches after falling behind 0-2.

It was Almora's second home run of the season and second career grand slam.

Brandon Drury opened the decisive fifth inning with a single off Washington starter Erick Fedde.  Fedde got two fly outs to center field and appeared to be ready to escape with a 3-2 lead.  Tyler Stephenson hit his second single of the game.  Nationals' manager Dave Martinez summoned Jordan Weems to get the final out.  Kyle Farmer walked on seven pitches to load the bases for Moustakas' at bat.

For the third game in a row the Reds' scored multiple runs in the first inning.  Washington starter Fedde gave up a leadoff single to Nick Senzel.  Brandon Drury walked.  Witalh one out Joey Votto came close to hitting a three-run home run in the third straight game.  This time a leaping Juan Soto caught the ball above the fence.  Stephenson walked to load the bases.  Farmer singled to left to score two runners.

Reds' starter Tyler Mahle gave up one hit in his last start over 6 2/3 innings.  He retired six of the first seven on but gave up a pair of singles in the third.  Luis Garcia singled with one out.  Cesar Hernandez forced him at second base.  Hernandez stole second.  The throw by catcher Stephenson appeared to catch him but Farmer could not hold onto the ball.  Lane Thomas, who hit three home runs on Friday night singled sharply to left field.  Tommy Pham charged the ball and made a good throw to Stephenson to cut down Hernandez.

Soto cut the lead in half when he put the ball where no one could bring it bacl.  His 11th home run of the season dented the batter's eye in straight away center field. Nelson Cruz hit a slow roller down the third base line for an infield hit.  Josh Bell flied out to left but Mahle continued to struggle.  Yadiel Hernandez singled.  Keibert Ruiz walked to load the bases.  Maikel Franco singled to left to tie the game and keep the bases full.  Luis Garcia delivered the third run with a fly to deep left center.  Cesar Hernandez ended the inning with a grouind out to Votto.

Mahle recovered from the problematice fourth to retire six of the last seven batters he faced.  He finished with six innings, allowing seven hits and two walks.  He struck out six.

Soto connected against Alexis Diaz with two on for his 12th home run of the season.  It became his 12th multi-home run game of his career.  

Washington tied the game on an RBI double by Garcia off Tony Santillan in the eighth.  Franco's second single and a wild pitch put a runner in scoring position for Garcia.  Santillan walked Lane Thomas to put two men on base.  David Bell entrusted Ross Detwiler to deal with Soto with two outs.  Detwiler struck out Soto looking to escape.

Brandon Drury's ninth home run provided the final margin.

Lane Thomas and Josiah Gray Lead Nationals Over Reds

 

Mike Minors return to active duty was lackluster.

Minor's balking shoulder has healed but the Washington Nationals teed off on his offerings for three home runs in four innings vaulting visitors to a 8-5 win over the home team.  Lane Thomas hit three homers for the Nationals against three different pitchers.

"He wasn't sharp.  It's his first time out.  It is good to get that out of the way," David Bell said.  "He left some fastballs over the plate.  He feels good and that's the main thing.  He's been doing this a long time."

Minor faced young Josiah Gray, who the Reds thought highly enough to pick him in the second round of the 2019 draft.  Gray was traded to the Dodgers in the trade that brought Kyle Farmer among others to the Reds.

Tommy Pham got the Reds off to a fast start against Gray.  Pham hit his sixth home run of the season with Brandon Drury on base.  Drury reached on a throwing error by young Luis Garcia, who has shown problems with his erratic arm..

Minor couldn't make the lead stick.  He retired all three Nationals batters on fly balls in the first inning.  Nelson Cruz put his fly ball into the left field stands to get a run back.

"I feel good," Minor said.  "I threw some bad ptiches and some good pitches.  They hit them both.  I guess some fastballs leaked over the plate a little bit.  I didn't mix pitches well either. I only threw two curve balls.  I threw some good sliders but I need to use them all next time."

It got worse for Minor.

Victor Robles doubled to open the third.  Cesar Hernandez tied the game with a single.  Lane Thomas and Juan Cruz crushed home runs in successive at bats.  It was the fourth for Thomas and 10th for Soto.  

Minor survived a double by Garcia in a scoreless fourth but turned the game over to Vladimir Gutierrez.  Thomas hit his second home run of the game, the first time'he has homered twice in a big league game.

Gray gave up a single to Matt Reynolds and walked three batters but held off the Reds through six innings before turning the game over to Carl Edwards Jr.

Thomas hit another home run off Jeff Hoffman in the seventh.  He is the first National batter to hit three home runs in a game since Middletown's Kyle Shwarber did it against the Mets last year on June 20.e

"Thomas is a good player," Bell said.  "We've seen him with the Cardinals."

Thomas hit seven in 2021. In 43 games this year, he had hit three.

Joey Votto hit his second three-run homer in as many days in the eighth inning against Victor Arano.  Votto hit one in the first inning on Thursday.   Votto's fourth home run of the season tied him with Johnny Bench for fourth on the Reds' all-time hit list with 2,048.

Another Reds' former second round draft choice Tanner Rainey came into pitch then ninth for Washington.

Rainey earned his sixth save, allowing a walk in a scoreless inning. 

Washington Nationals and Reds Wear "Enough" T-Shits To Stop Gun Violence.

Washington Nationals manager and former Reds' player Dave Martinez was emotional in his pre-game meeting with the media

He and the Nationals' players are wearing t-shirts underneath their uniforms with orange lettering that say ENOUGH.  The Nationals are joining five other D.C. sports teams fortional Gun Violence Awareness Day.

The group of professional sports teams in using thier voices for common sense gun laws and donating money to a non-profit called Everytown.

"We have to do better for our kids, grandkids family members and friends," Martinez said.  "It's tough reading about these things.  It hits me and other people where it should."

"We think it is important to start speaking up.  We have one of the highest gun violence crime rates in D.C.  We have to do better."

This movement is growing faster than right wing, defenses of out dated, permissive gun laws are. The call for meaningful gun control or gun safety or whatever euphemism you want to use, are getting louder.  These voices are starting to drown out the NRA and right wing agenda that is promoting nothing but violent death.

Martinez was filled with emotion when he went beyond the details of this organized protest.

"One thing I want to say to the victims, to their families.  I'm sorry," said Martinez said with a halting breath with tears forming in his eyes.  I'm sorry we have to do this today.  Let's not let it happen again.  Let's do better."

When the emotion subsided and reason returned to Martinez.  His tone got sturdy.

"I've got kids.  I've got grandkids.  You feel for the people, who have to go through these things," Martinez said.  "You also think about the future of our country.  For me it's all about change.  It's all about common sense.  Let's do things right.  I often talk about you need to be 25-years old to rent a car. But you can walk in anywhere at 18-years old and buy an AR rifle.  Let's start using common sense."

Joey Votto Homers And Graham Ashcraft Goes 2-0 With A Win Over Washington

The Reds jumped of to a quick start against the Washington Nationals and theri starter Joan Adon.  Graham Ashcraft weaved it into a 8-1 win, his second.

Brandon Drury singled and Tommy Pham walked with one out in the first inning againsto Adon.  Joey Votto, the designated hitter, launched a three-run home run into the seats in right field.  It was Votto's third home run of the season.

Adon allowed just two home runs in his previous 38 1/3 innings.

Reds rallies were cut short in the next two innings.  Albert Almora Jr. opened the second inning with a single but Aramis Garcia hit into a double play.  The Reds loaded the bases against Adon but he escaped when Kyle Farmer hit into an inning ending double play.

Ashcraft retired 15 of the first 18 batters.  Singles by Yadiel Hernandez and sMaikel Franco were the only hits through five innings.  Hernandez walked in the fifth.  He and Franco were on base when Victor Robles struck out looking to end the inning.

The rookie put down six batters in a row after the fifth but Josh Bell hit his fifth home run of the season in the seventh.  It was an opposite field shot into the left field stands.  Franco singled for the second time one out later but Ashcraft struck out Luis Garcia to complete seven frames.

Matt Reynolds first home run as a Red got the run back in the bottom of the seventh.  The opposite field drive off Erasmo Ramires was Reynolds first home run since May 21, 2017 with the New York Mets against the Los Angeles Angels and Jesse Chavez.

Nick Senzel and Drury followed with singles.  Pham sacrifice fly plated Senzel, giving the Reds a 5-1 lead.  Votto walked and Kyle Farmer broke it open with his fifth home run off Josh Rogers.

Votto is one hit behind Johnny Bench for fourth on the Reds' all-time hit list with 2,047. His two walks give Votto 1,314 for his career, passing Ken Griffey Jr and Luke Appling for 45th on the Major League all-time list.  He is three behind Adam Dunn and Mark McGwire who are tied for 43rd place.