Joey Votto launched two home runs as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-5 at Great American Ball Park. The Reds scored nine unanswered runs after falling behind 5-0 in the third inning. The Reds remain three games behind St. Louis for the final NL Wild Card spot as they host the Pirates again this evening with pregame at 5:10 on News Radio 95.3 FM/1230 AM WHOP.
Elsewhere in the National League
Jon Lester secured his 200th career win as the red-hot St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Brewers 5-2 in Milwaukee. Lester allowed three-runs on three hits over six-frames for St. Louis, which won its ninth straight. The teams meet again tonight.
The Atlanta Braves crushed the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-4 in Phoenix. Adam Duvall and Eddie Rosario hit home runs in the win. Game two of the series is this evening.
Following an off day, the Chicago Cubs host the Minnesota Twins this evening at Wrigley Field.
Salvador Perez is etching his name in MLB history. Perez hit his 46th home run of the season in the Kansas City Royals’ 7-2 win over the Cleveland Indians, setting the new MLB record for home runs by a catcher in a single season. The previous record was held by Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench, who hit 45 home runs in 1970.