MLB Game Recaps: Joey Votto Slams Reds Home Winners
There is generally no greater moment, offensively at least, than a walk-off grand-slam. Now there are certain scenarios we all dream of as kids. Those are the scenarios that can amplify the moment. But the fact is, a walk-off grand-slam is a walk-off, and it’s a grand-slam. That’s a pretty exciting combination. Joey Votto struck for both yesterday.
Entering the ninth inning, Joey Votto had already homered twice, but the Reds were still trailing 6-5. The Nationals had managed to stay just ahead of the MVP first baseman’s onslaught. At least until the ninth. Votto stepped to the plate once more, this time with all the bags full. On a 2-2 count, Votto slammed the pitch over the right-center field wall to send the Reds home winners.
Votto’s first home run was a solo shot in the first. He hit a second solo home run in the fourth.
Neither starter fared very well in the game. Edwin Jackson went five innings and allowed three runs. Bronson Arroyo went five and allowed four runs. For Votto though, the game was indicative of his improvements at the plate. “It’s certainly a work in progress, but I think I hit more barrels today than I have all season,” he said.
Washington – 6
Cincinnati – 9
American League
Seattle – 6
New York (A) – 2
Andy Pettitte allowed seven hits and four runs over 6 1/3 innings in his return to the Majors more than a year after he last pitched. He took the loss as the Yankees offensive couldn’t overcome the solid performance by Kevin Millwood.
Tampa Bay – 9
Baltimore – 8
In a slug-fest, James Shields and the Rays came out on top. Shields pitched 6 1/3 innings, allowed six runs but only four were earned, and struck out five. Ben Zobrist homered and Carlos Pena went 2 for 5.
Cleveland – 1
Boston – 12
Justin Masterson really hasn’t been sharp since his first start of the year. Yesterday did not change this. He went six innings, but allowed six runs to the Red Sox. Boston would score six more and rout the Indians.
Kansas City – 9
Chicago (A) – 1
The White Sox led most of the game. Unfortunately, it was a slim 1-0 lead. The Royals scored all nine runs in the final three innings of the game and took down Chicago easily.
Toronto – 3
Minnesota – 4
Minnesota squashed Toronto’s late comeback to maintain their win. Minnesota scored one in the third and three in the fifth, but Toronto made a late charge in the eighth. They scored all three of their runs in the eighth before the Twins shut the door.
Detroit – 3
Oakland – 1
Justin Verlander picked up his fourth win and helped the Tigers split the series with the A’s. Verlander tossed seven innings of two-hit ball and struck out eight.
Los Angeles (A) – 6
Texas – 13
The Rangers pounded Jered Weaver and improved to 23-12 on the season. Weaver went just 3 1/3 innings, allowed ten hits, and gave up eight runs. Neftali Feliz allowed just two runs in six innings of work for Texas.
National League
New York (N) – 4
Miami – 8
Giancarlo Stanton blasted a walk-off grand-slam for the Marlins 18th win of the season. The Mets scored two in the top of the 9th to tie the game, but Stanton quickly sent Miami walking off winners.
San Diego – 2
Philadelphia – 3
His start wasn’t pushed back very far due to the suspension, but Cole Hamels was still returning from suspension nonetheless. And he was sharp. In seven innings, Hamels gave up just five hits and allowed just one run.
Houston – 2
Pittsburgh – 3
Wandy Rodriguez tossed a gem, but the Pirates spoiled it in the ninth, then they won it in the 12th. Josh Harrison pulled a pitch from Fernando Rodriguez down the line to score Clint Barmes and send the Pirates home winners. Wandy Rodriguez pitched eight innings of three-hit ball.
Chicago (N) – 8
Milwaukee- 2
The Cubs snapped a ten-game losing streak in Milwaukee with the help of Ian Stewart. Stewart homered and scored two runs to help the Cubs avoid the sweep.
Atlanta – 7
St. Louis – 4
After the thriller the night before, the Braves once again took care of St. Louis. Tommy Hansen struck out nine in five innings of work to help the Braves complete the sweep of the Cardinals.
Colorado – 5
Los Angeles – 11
Triple-crown threat Matt Kemp had to leave the game early with a hamstring injury, but the Dodgers routed Colorado anyway. Kemp hurt his hamstring while running to first and later exited the game. Ted Lilly got the win and improved to 5-0 on the year.
San Fracisco – 7
Arizona – 3
Melky Cabrera extended his hitting streak to 11 games and singled four times in yesterday’s game. Barry Zito went six innings and picked up the win while allowing just three runs. Joe Saunders did not fare as well for the Dbacks. He went five innings and gave up six runs.
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