Reds-Astros: Cincinnati's Joey Votto Does It Again!

Everyone in Reds Country is asking the same question.

If Joey Votto is playing this well while still being bothered by an inner-ear infection, what is he going to do once he is completely healthy?

In a game that saw both teams battle back from deficits, Votto's home run in the seventh inning put the Reds in front to stay, 6-4.

Just as Reds TV announcer Thom Brennaman was saying that, sooner or later, missing so much time would begin to take its toll on Votto's timing, the Reds first baseman launched one over the left field wall.

Laynce Nix also homered for the Reds.

Fresh off of the disabled list, Nick Masset got the win in relief. 

Francisco Cordero pitched the ninth for his 13th save of the season.  The Reds closer did have some help.  With a runner on, Lance Berkman hit a missile to the left side of the infield.  Adam Rosales made a great play and started a game-ending double play.

There were two other very significant plays last night.

Micah Owings and Chris Dickerson led off the bottom of the third with back-to-back singles.  Jerry Hairston put down a perfect sacrifice bunt to move them both into scoring position.

This team is playing fundamental baseball, and I love it!  One out later, Ramon Hernandez singled and put his team up 2-0.

The other key play came in the top of the sixth.  With Edwin Maysonet at second base and two out, Miguel Tejada singled to right.  Maysonet did not test Jay Bruce's arm and stayed at third.  The Reds caught Tejada in a run down after rounding first base.  Inning over.

This Reds are now 25-20.  They go for the sweep tonight against the Astros.  It will be Felipe Paulino (1-3) against Bronson Arroyo (6-3).