Votto homers, hits 2-run single in return to Reds’ lineup after 10-month absence

By JEFF WALLNER
Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto homered and hit a go-ahead, two-run single in his return to the Cincinnati Reds’ lineup after a 10-month  absence that followed an operation to repair his left biceps and rotator cuff. The 39-year-old hit sixth and played first base Monday in a series opener against Colorado in the first big league game since Aug. 16. The 2010 NL MVP hit a 104.4 mph lineout to center int he second inning, then drove a first-pitch, belt-high fastball from Austin Gomber to the opposite field in right. The 102 mph drive landed about a dozen rows into the right-field seats and put the Reds ahead 3-1.