CINCINNATI -- In a key moment where the Reds needed his scorching hot bat in a rally effort against the Pirates on Wednesday, first baseman Joey Votto instead was ejected in the eighth inning during a heated dispute with home-plate umpire Bill Welke. Manager Bryan Price was also ejected following an argument a few minutes later before the Reds went on to fall, 5-4.
Facing Tony Watson while Cincinnati trailed, 5-3, with runners on first and second base, Votto took a 1-1 pitch for a called strike by Welke. He appeared to dispute something in the moment and turned to the Reds' dugout from outside the batter's box when Welke tossed him from the game.