Reds-Mets: Votto Shines As The Reds Avoid The Sweep, 8-6

Joey Votto was clutch, again, this afternoon as the Reds got their first win of the season and avoided a sweep.

As the Reds trailed, 0-3, the Mets started the bottom of the third as Center fielder, Willy Taveras, drew a two out walk to and Darnell McDonald followed with a RBI single.

Joey Votto came up next to destroy a 0-1 slider that appeared to hang more than Oliver Perez' wanted to take the lead 4-3 on a three run shot (2).

It was tied at four in the bottom of the fifth with when Joey Votto smashed a RBI single that scored Willy Taveras to reclaim the lead.

Brandon Phillips had a SAC fly and Shortstop Paul Janish added a RBI single added insurance to secure the Reds first win of the season.

Bronson Arroyo (1-0) wasn't at his best but he did enough to get the win. Bronson pitched six innings giving up eight hits, five earned runs. Arroyo recorded four strikeouts to two walks.

Jared Burton worked the top of the seventh and worked 0.1 of an inning giving up to hits and one earned.

David Weathers came in later in the seventh to bail out Burton with a perfect finish of the inning.

Arthur Rhodes pitched a perfect eight with two K's as he has looked very strong early on.

Francisco Cordero (sv-1) worked the ninth to strikeout the side for a 1, 2, 3 game ending save.

The past two games have gave the Reds offense going scoring 15 runs.

The Reds are now 1-2 for the season.

The Reds next will welcome the Bucco's to GABP at 7:10 ET. Johnny Cueto will make his season debut against Pittsburgh’s Jeff Karstens.