Votto extends power surge, Reds roll past Cubs 8-2

CHICAGO (AP) — Joey Votto homered twice for the second consecutive day, going deep in his fifth straight game to match a Cincinnati record as the Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 on Wednesday night.

Tyler Mahle tossed six scoreless innings for the Reds, who beefed up their bullpen again by acquiring right-hander Mychal Givens from Colorado before the game. Tyler Stephenson and Shogo Akiyama each had two RBIs, and Jesse Winker doubled twice and drove in a run.

The 37-year-old Votto is the ninth hitter in Reds history, dating to 1900, to homer in five straight games. It was his 15th career multi-homer game.

“Homer-wise, this is the best stretch I've been on in a short period of time,” said Votto, a six-time All-Star who noted he's been through hot hitting streaks before. “I've never done it with the home run, so it's a little bit of a new experience."

The 2010 NL MVP launched a 1-1 curveball from Zach Davies deep into the left-field bleachers leading off the second. Votto tagged Cory Abbott for a two-run shot to center on a 3-1 fastball in the ninth, giving him 19 homers this season and seven during his five-game surge.

It's coming at a perfect time for the Reds, who need to get on a roll to close ground on NL Central-leading Milwaukee or a wild-card spot.

“He just continues to be fun to watch and contribute in a big way to our wins,” Reds manager David Bell said. “It's really a pleasure and a joy to watch him at the plate right now.”

Mahle (8-3) scattered five hits and walked one in his first win since June 16. The right-hander battled through some deep counts and was helped by sharp defense, including a couple of nifty catches by right fielder Aristides Aquino.

“That was probably the grindiest game I've been a part of,” Mahle said. “To end up going six innings, let...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Votto-extends-power-surge-Reds-roll-past-Cubs-8-2-16347891.php