SAN DIEGO – Joey Votto touched home plate after his first career leadoff home run and slashed his hands in front of his neck. It’s the classic “it’s over” gesture. Votto did it twice, high-fived Eugenio Suárez, tilted his head back and let out a short yell.
With two hits in his last 13 at-bats, Votto spent extra time working on his swing. He did a celebratory dance with teammate Jesse Winker, then leaned back into Winker’s arms. The two teammates repeated the move, but flipped roles, when Winker hit a ninth-inning solo home run.
For the Reds, there was plenty to celebrate in a 4-1 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, snapping a four-game losing streak.