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Joey Votto’s homecoming ended on stellar observe for the Etobicoke native that put a damper on a moderately promising homestand for the Blue Jays.
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Votto snapped a 2-2 tie with a solo homer off Yimi Garcia within the eighth inning Sunday at Rogers Centre to assist the Reds keep away from the sweep in Toronto with a 3-2 win.
It was Votto’s first homer of the yr, his final approaching the ultimate day of the common season final yr in a 6-3 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Votto solely returned to the majors on Friday in the beginning of this collection following a rehab project that adopted a constructive check for COVID that stored Votto out of motion for nearly three weeks.
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Neither starter was round to issue into the choice on this one.
Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi, who was so dominant in his final outing, wanted 37 pitches simply to get out of the primary inning.
Kikuchi solely gave up one hit within the inning however walked three and hit one other. The one hit, a double by Artisdes Aquino, got here with the bases loaded and drove in two when it hopped over the left area wall on a bounce for a ground-rule double.
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Kikuchi settled down after that however the excessive pitch rely meant an early departure with Kikuchi leaving after simply 41/3 innings and people two earned runs on his linescore.
Kikuchi wound up hanging out seven and allowed only one extra hit after that prolonged first inning.
Cincinnati starter Graham Ashcraft was making his main league debut on this one and matched Kikuchi virtually completely. He too lasted simply 4 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on 4 hits and two walks.
Third baseman Matt Chapman drove in Santiago Espinal, who had doubled within the second, with the primary Jays run.
Bo Bichette’s groundout within the third scored George Springer from third who was aboard on successful by pitch to start out the body.
Votto’s eighth inning homer made a loser out of Yimi Garcia who fell to 0-3. Cincy reliever Alexis Diaz picked up the win in aid and improved to 2-0.
The Jays left seven runners on base on the afternoon, an space of concern that continues to develop for the house aspect.
The Jays end up the six recreation homestand with 4 wins and two losses and now head out on the street to St Louis for a mini two-game collection.
Mganter@postmedia.com
