The Reds returned to Great American Ball Park after winning the last eight games on the nine-game road trip with a new old friend to face the Colorado Rockies.
The young impressive team got a boost from potential Hall of Famer, Joey Votto, who drove in three runs to propel the Reds to a 5-4 win for its ninth straight victory. The crowd was on its feat when Votto appeared for his first at bat in which he lined out to center.
"The crowd reaction was surprising," Votto said, nearly breaking down with emotion. "Not to underestimate them but you don't expect that. I feel the same way toward them. For them to reciprocate means a great deal to me. It was a memorable experience."
David Bell was not surprised.
"It doesn't surprise me. It impresses me."
Votto returned from surgery on his shoulder last August to make his first appearance of the 2023 season. He started at first base and batted sixth in the order.
"What a great player. He just got himself ready. He's so excited to be part of our team. He has been doing everything to be a part of our team. It meant a lot to our team," Bell said. "He felt a part of this the whole time but now it feels like it is supposed to. He is going to make us better."
Brandon Williamson pitched three scoreless innings then surrendered Elias Diaz' eighth home run in the fourth.
Votto launched his first home run into the right field seats off the left hander Gomber.
The Reds have been impressive without Votto even before the current streak which last happened when Votto was in his prime in 2012.
"I played a long time and here I'm wearing a helmet and a cape," Votto said. "It's a team thing and it's keeping me young. I was anxious. There was a sense of urgency. I don't want to be the odd person out. Every day there is someone doing something cool to help the team. If you're not doing something, you don't fit in. I just want to fit in."
"I fit in with these guys. Don't get me wrong but this it more about performance that is what I mean about fitting in. We respect each other as people of course but ultimately this is a game where your respect is earned through performance."
Williamson finished five innings but gave up back-to-back singles to start the sixth inning. Buck Farmer came in to face Diaz with runners at first and third.
Diaz singled to right to score Randall Grichuk and sending Ryan McMahon to third with no outs. Jorge Alfaro hit his second double of the game over Spencer Steer's head in left field to tie the game. Both runs were charged to Williamson. Farmer walked Nolan Jones to load the bases. Farmer fell behind Brenton Doyle 3-0 but struck him out. Coco Montes struck out swinging. Mike Moustakas pinch hit for Connor Kaiser, who was making his big league debut. Alex Young, who recorded his first career save on Sunday, was called on to pitch to the former Red. Moustakas walked on a 3-2 pitch to put the Rockies in the lead. Jurickson Profar grounded out to Elly De la Cruz to end the inning.
Moustakas stayed in to play third and booted Jonathan India's ground ball for an error. De la Cruz hit a ground ball to Moustakas and beat the throw for an infield hit. Rockie manager Bud Black brought Jake Bird in to face Steer, who walked to bring up Votto with the bases loaded and one out. Votto hit a two-run single to put the Reds back in the lead. Jake Fraley hit for Senzel. Fraley struck out and Tyler Stephenson grounded out to Moustakas, who forced Steer at third.
Fernando Cruz came in to pitch a perfect seventh inning.
Lucas Sims took over in the eighth to pitch a scoreless frame.
Alexis Diaz entered to pitch the ninth. Moustakas singled and moved to third on Profar's single. Diaz struck out Grichuk and Ryan McMahon. Diaz earned his 19th save in 19 chances and his 24th straight.
"You have to be really good to pitch out of that situation," Bell said. "At such and early age, it speaks to how much confidence he has. He had a good year last year and he keeps getting better."
The night belonged to Votto.
"It was a long daunting rehab and you have your doubts," Votto said. "When I say that, I mean weeks or months ago doubts. We are in a performance based game. Basketball calls it a make or miss league. Here its a bat or bench league. You have to perform. Obviously I want to perform and I expect to perform. It is intimidating when you have a surgery like that and you're an older player. Tonight was a good experience for me."
Colorado manager Bud Black said," “(Votto)'s a guy who should be applauded for what he's done in this city. He's spent his entire career here, which is a special thing. Joey's been a great player for a decade-plus. It was great to see the fans of Cincinnati recognize that.” --
No comments:
Post a Comment