Votto’s homer sinks Pirates

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Joey Votto led off the bottom of the 10th with his 33rd homer, sending the Cincinnati Reds to a wild 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night that extended their NL Central lead to a daunting seven games.

Votto hit the fourth pitch from Justin Thomas (0-1) into the seats in left, touching off chants of “MVP” with his first career game-ending homer.

Edinson Volquez dominated for seven innings, allowing one hit and fanning 10 before turning a 3-0 lead over to the Reds bullpen.

Neil Walker’s two-run single past hard-throwing Aroldis Chapman completed Pittsburgh’s rally to a 4-3 lead in the eighth. Joel Hanrahan blew the save chance, giving up a tying double by Chris Heisey in the ninth.

Francisco Cordero (6-4) pitched a perfect 10th for the win.

The Reds have won the first two in their series against Pittsburgh while second-place St. Louis dropped two in Atlanta, rebuilding their lead.

Before the game, the Reds commemorated the 25th anniversary of Pete Rose’s record-setting hit No. 4,192 at Cinergy Field. The 69-year-old Rose got Major League Baseball’s permission to go on the field — otherwise prohibited under his lifetime ban for gambling — and step on first base while the crowd of 36,101 cheered.

Then, the Reds tried to get closer to their first playoff appearance since 1995.

Volquez made them feel better about their chances down the stretch.

Manager Dusty Baker has been trying to settle on a rotation with six currently healthy candidates. Right-hander Aaron Harang eliminated himself with two poor outings — he’s been moved to the bullpen.