1/5
June 20 (UPI) – Veteran first baseman Joey Votto marked his return from injury by hitting a home run and driving in three runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds to victory over the Colorado Rockies and propelling them into first place in the National League Central.
Votto, who had been sidelined for the first 72 games of the season with a shoulder injury, had an impressive performance, going 2 for 3 with three RBIs, a run scored, and a walk in the Reds’ 5-4 triumph at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
“It was a long and challenging rehabilitation process,” Votto said. “I had my doubts, even weeks or months ago. But in the end, you have to perform. And I expect nothing less than top performance from myself.”
Votto had even predicted to his close friends that he would hit a home run within his first two at-bats upon his return, a prediction that came true.
The Reds (38-35) moved half a game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers (37-35) to claim first place in their division with Monday’s win. They are currently on a nine-game winning streak, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. The Reds have now won 12 of their last 14 games.
The Reds’ starting pitcher Brandon Williamson kept the Rockies scoreless in the first three innings. Reds third baseman Kevin Newman kicked off the game with a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first, while right fielder Nick Senzel extended the Reds’ lead to 2-0 with a 415-foot solo home run in the bottom of the second.
In the top of the fourth, Rockies catcher Elias Diaz hit a 428-foot blast off Williamson, scoring the Rockies’ first run. Votto then came to the plate in the bottom of the fifth for his second at-bat of the season.
On the first pitch from Rockies starter Austin Gomber, Votto hit a 381-foot home run to right field, reaching a speed of 102 mph and giving the Reds a 3-1 lead.
In the sixth inning, the Rockies responded with a three-run rally to take the lead. Diaz started the rally with an RBI single off Reds relief pitcher Buck Farmer, and designated hitter Jorge Alfaro tied the score with an RBI double.
Rockies relief pitcher Alex Young then walked pinch hitter Mike Moustakas with the bases loaded, giving the Rockies the go-ahead run.
In the bottom of the sixth, Reds designated hitter Jonathan India reached base on an error, followed by a single from Reds prospect Elly De La Cruz. Rockies relief pitcher Jake Bird then walked utility man Spencer Steer, loading the bases for Votto’s next at-bat.
Votto, facing a 1-0 sinker from Bird, hit the ball to center field, scoring India and De La Cruz and giving the Reds their winning edge.
Reds relief pitchers Fernando Cruz and Lucas Sims held the Rockies hitless and scoreless over the next two innings. Closer Alexis Diaz allowed two hits but no runs in the ninth to secure his 19th save of the season.
While Williamson allowed six hits and three runs over five innings, he did not receive a decision in the game.
Votto was the only Reds player with multiple hits in the game. Spencer Steer reached base twice, going 1 for 3 with a walk.
Elias Diaz had a strong showing for the Rockies, going 2 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs scored. Gomber, the Rockies’ starting pitcher, allowed five hits and five runs over 5 1/3 innings, resulting in his seventh loss of the season.
The Reds will face the Rockies (29-36) again on Tuesday at 7:10 p.m. EDT in Cincinnati.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
