Reds win 9-6 against Nationals
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds firstbaseman, hit a grand-slam in the ninth inning for his third home run of the game in the series finale against the Washington Nationals.
2010 NL MVP Joey Votto ended the game with a double and three home runs, the last of which was a walk-off grand slam off of Henry Rodriguez that gave the Reds a 9-6 win. The Nationals had only allowed 15 homers all season, fewest in the majors, and the homers were Votto’s first since April 30.
Joey Votto had been unimpressive so far this season, riding a lot of walks to a high on-base percentage and leading the National League in doubles with 15 going into play Sunday. Apparently, he has been working on his game. “I’ve noticed some things. We’ve talked about it, and I’ve tried to take it into the games and practice. It’s certainly a work in progress.”
His teammates are hopeful that this game is an indication of what’s to come. “Everybody talks about how he’s treading water,” center fielder Drew Stubbs said. “Then he has a game like that… Hopefully, he’s back to what he used to be.”
“Votto had a big day. That’s great,” said manager Dusty Baker. Hopefully, this is the type of game that will get us going. You like to see Joey hitting like that. I keep telling the guys you’ve got to believe.”
The walk-off grand slam was Cincinnati’s first since Adam Dunn hit one off of Cleveland’s Bob Wickman on June 30, 2006.
According to STATS LLC the last player to hit a game-ending home run in a three-homer game was Albert Pujols for St. Louis against Cincinnati on April 16, 2006.
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