Joey Votto helps Cincinnati Reds edge Los Angeles Dodgers after slump
By Brian Spaen
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is hanging on to a batting average above .300 after reaching a hitting slump by his standards, but more nights like this should help the six-year veteran get his confidence back.
From the Associated Press recap:
"Joey Votto emerged from his deep slump with a single and a two-run homer Friday night, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, who had another starting pitcher get hurt.The NL West leaders lost left-hander Chris Capuano to a mild groin strain in the second inning, when he grimaced on a pitch to Zack Cozart."
All of the scoring came in the fourth and fifth innings for the Reds. Votto led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a hit, then Jay Bruce got another hit to move Votto over to third base. Ryan Ludwick would ground out into a double play but was able to bring Votto in.
With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Votto hit his 22nd home run of the season, scoring in Shin-Soo Choo.
Votto has been struggling at the plate, notably going 0 for 7 with three strikeouts in the extra-innings affair with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday night. He had his first multi-hit night since August 24th, and has gone 5 for 40 in his at-bats since August 25th.