CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) – Devin Mesoraco hit a two-run homer and Jay Bruce emerged from a slump by driving in a pair of runs on Tuesday night, leading the Reds to their season-high fourth win in a row.
Cincinnati won an 8-3 victory over the sloppy San Francisco Giants.
Meanwhile, first baseman Joey Votto and pitcher Mat Vatos moved closer to returning to the club.
Mesoraco hit his ninth homer off Tim Lincecum (4-5), who has beaten the Reds during the playoffs but never during the regular season. Bruce, who spent time on the disabled list following surgery for torn knee cartilage, knocked in his first run since April 25.
Homer Bailey (6-3) went six innings in his first game against the Giants since his no-hitter against them last July 2 at Great American Ball Park. The right-hander gave up three runs and five hits, including Hunter Pence’s homer, double and single.
Manager Bryan Price says Tuesday that Votto, who has been on the disabled list since May 21 with a strained muscle above his left knee, will participate in pregame workouts, including batting practice and base running, for a couple of days to assess his readiness for a stint in the minors.
Latos is scheduled to make another rehab start on Wednesday. If that goes well, he could be activated after being on the disabled list all season recovering from knee surgery and a strained forearm.