Joey Votto's hot bat put him into elite company Wednesday.
Playing in a doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds first baseman made history by reaching base safely nine times on the day. The last Reds player to accomplish the same feat was none other than the legendary Pete Rose, who racked up seven hits and two walks over two games against the Houston Astros on July 2, 1976.
Votto went 3-for-4 with a walk and home run in the early game, which the Reds won handily, 9-1. The Cubs were far more cautious in the second game, walking the Canadian three times, but the 2010 NL MVP notched two hits in his other at-bats to tie Rose's mark.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Unfortunately for Votto and the Reds, they lost the nightcap 6-5, with a Taylor Teagarden single in the top of the ninth proving to be the difference.
Votto has 17 home runs, a .293/.406/.509 slash line, and is fifth in the majors with 62 walks this season.
