With 23 games remaining, the Reds (16-21) trailed the Cardinals (14-14) by 2½ games in the race for the division’s second playoff berth. They were two games behind the Colorado Rockies (18-19), who were leading the race for the league’s final playoff bid.
“They do feel like must-wins for sure with so few games left,” Votto said. “Playing against the teams above us, they are must-wins. The time is for sure running out.”
This was Votto’s second walk-off hit of the season and the 13th of his career. That’s the most by a Red since Pete Rose produced his 13th career walk-off RBI on July 17, 1986.
This was Votto’s first walk-off hit in September. Six of his walk-off hits have been singles. Five have been home runs, including one grand slam. He won one game with a game-ending sacrifice fly.
Here’s a look back at Votto’s first 12 walk-off hits:
1. July 2, 2009: Votto’s bases-loaded single in the 10th inning against Clay Zavada scored Chris Dickerson, and gave the Reds a 3-2 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
2. May 18, 2010: A single in the ninth against Trevor Hoffman scored Chris Heisey, giving the Reds a 5-4 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.
3. Sept. 11, 2010: A lead-off solo home run in the 10th against Justin Thomas gave the Reds a 5-4 victory. Votto’s first walk-off home run of his career came during an MVP season that saw him hit a career-high 37 home runs.
4. May 13, 2011: A single in the 10th against Jason Motte scored Heisey, lifting the Reds to a 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.
5. Aug. 28, 2011: Votto’s lead-off solo home run in the 14th against Collin Balester lifted the Reds to a 5-4 victory against the Washington Nationals.
6. May 13, 2012: Votto hit a grand slam against Henry Rodriguez in the ninth as the Reds won 9-6. Devin Mesoraco, Drew Stubbs and Heisey were on base.
Votto hit three home runs in the game and became the first player in baseball history to hit a game-ending grand slam for his third home run.
7. April 3, 2013: A single in the ninth against Scott Downs scored Shin-Soo Choo. The Reds beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-4.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
8. Aug. 11, 2013: Votto’s sacrifice fly in the 13th against Tim Stauffer scored Jack Hannahan. The Reds beat the Padres 3-2.
9. May 9, 2014: In the ninth, Votto hit a lead-off solo home run against Boone Logan, of the Colorado Rockies, to give the Reds a 4-3 victory.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
10. April 8, 2015: A two-out single in the 11th against Radhames Liz scored Zack Cozart as the Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
11. June 7, 2016: Votto’s one-out solo home run in the ninth against Kevin Siegrist gave the Reds a 7-6 victory against the Cardinals.
Credit: David Jablonski
Credit: David Jablonski
12. Aug. 11, 2020: Votto doubled against Josh Staumont, scoring Nick Senzel as the Reds beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5.
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