It wasn’t a particularly notable home run in Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto’s career.
This season, Votto has already hit his 300th career homer. It wasn’t a walk-off. But in the Reds' 11-5 win over the Rockies on Friday, Votto hit a three-run home run off left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland. Right when he made contact, Votto dropped his bat and stared to left field. When he crossed home plate, Votto shouted, took off his helmet, flexed and high-fived his teammates
Earlier in his career, when Votto was a regular candidate for the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, Votto said the homer might not have meant as much as it did Friday.
“You only get to play for so long,” Votto said. “I’m trying to play as much as possible while I have the opportunity.”
On Friday, Votto hit his second home run since he returned from the injured list this week. He has improved his batting average, but Votto felt he had the opportunity to hit for more power, especially against left-handed pitchers.
Heading into Friday’s game, Votto ranked eighth on the Reds with a .217 batting average and fifth with sixth home runs. He also had a .147 batting average this season against left-handed pitchers.
