Reds star Votto mum on tantrum, no word on possible penalty

Phillips hit 12th homer, a leadoff shot in a three-run seventh. Because when he does hit them, they’re events. Right fielder Jason Heyward nearly made a leaping catch, but he couldn’t keep the ball in his glove. The offense mustered six hits and six walks with Skip Schumaker cracking a three run bomb while Tucker Barnhart drove in a run and scored. He won back-to-back starts against the Cardinals on July 27 and August 2, yielding two runs in 13 innings.

“I’ve played for nine years now”, Votto said. “That’s what happens”.

St. Louis opened its longest trip this season – 10 games in 11 days – with its fourth loss in five games, including a 9-0 defeat to the Cubs on Monday.

But first starter Anthony DeSclafani couldn’t get a bunt down and Billy Hamilton popped up, bringing up Schumaker with two outs.

Votto said that Welke’s denial for time out will be central to his appeal.

One of the few constants involving the Cincinnati Reds this season is that sometime during a homestand there will be a rain delay or two or three.

Votto said he’d never been refused a timeout in the major leagues (see full story). “To have fun around here, we have to beat teams going to the playoffs”.

Reds: RHP Michael Lorenzen (4-8, 5.54) is coming off his first win in his last 10 starts. I was trying to put it on the black but it was over the plate.

“When Joey looked over, that, to me, was my sign to get out there and make sure I had an understanding of what was going on in that situation. He came into the dugout like a ball of fire”.

The Reds obviously have many questions heading into next season, but the solid return of their first baseman has answered at least one of those issues. “You know, and that’s – we felt it was warranted”.

“For me, Disco is a top of the rotation guy”.

“My understanding is that Joey asked for time and Welke didn’t grant it”, Reds manager Bryan Price said”.

“He kind of found his curveball, his fastball command, a real good slider”, Price said.

Lamb weaved his way in and out of danger throughout his five innings of work. “He’s a tough kid”. “I was happy for Schumaker”.

Interestingly, Votto held his emotions mostly in check while talking to Welke after the last questionable strike call.