Votto homer lifts Reds to 3-2 win over Indians

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto hit a two-run, go-ahead homer, Nick Castellanos also connected and the Cincinnati Reds beat Cleveland 3-2 Monday night as the Indians played again without ill manager Terry Francona.

Sonny Gray shook off a tough start to the game to complete six strong innings, and Cincinnati ended a six-game home losing streak against their in-state rival.

Votto snapped an 0-for-11 skid when he followed Shogo Akiyama’s leadoff single in the sixth with a no-doubt shot off Zach Plesac (0-1). The 2010 NL MVP sat out a doubleheader Sunday after self-reporting coronavirus symptoms, but he was cleared to return to the lineup Monday and hit his third homer following a negative test.

Grounds crew seated behind first base cheered and played instruments — some provided by Votto — as he rounded the bases, and Votto pointed to the fan section after touching home plate.

Francona missed his second straight game and the first of four straight Reds-Indians games while dealing in Cleveland with a gastrointestinal condition not believed to be connected to COVID-19. First base and catching coach Sandy Alomar managed in Francona’s absence.

The series shifts on Wednesday to Cleveland for the final two games.

The Indians led 2-0 after two innings, scoring as many runs off Gray as they scored while losing three straight over the weekend in Minnesota.

Gray (3-0) gave up two hits in the first inning, including Francisco Lindor’s third home run of the season, a two-out line drive into the right field seats for a 1-0 lead.

Gray’s control problems led to Cleveland’s second-inning run. Oscar Mercado singled softly to center field, advanced to second on Gray’s errant pickoff throw and came around to score on two wild pitches.

Gray retired 12 straight batters before...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Votto-homer-lifts-Reds-to-3-2-win-over-Indians-15456272.php