Votto's clutch homer leads Reds to 7-4 win

CHICAGO (AP) -- Joey Votto hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning that was set up by third baseman Kris Bryant's two-out error, lifting the Cincinnati Reds over the Chicago Cubs 7-4 Wednesday.

Bryant hit a two-run homer in the eighth that made it 4-all. The rookie has 22 home runs and 84 RBIs this season.

Cubs closer Hector Rondon (5-3) retired the first two batters in the ninth. Jason Bourgeois, who homered earlier, followed with a single.

Jay Bruce then hit a hard grounder that went through Bryant's legs for an error, and Votto connected for his 27th home run.

J.J. Hoover (7-0) got the win despite giving up Bryant's homer. Aroldis Chapman closed for his 27th save.

Tommy La Stella and Anthony Rizzo hit solo home runs for the Cubs. Chicago began the day with a 6-game lead over San Francisco for the second NL wild-card spot.

Reds rookie Raisel Iglesias struck out 10 in seven innings, allowing just three hits. It was his third straight start with double-digit strikeouts.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Reds: OF Billy Hamilton (right shoulder) was set to begin throwing for the first time on Wednesday. "We're hoping for a good report once he finishes playing catch," manager Bryan Price said. "Hopefully, then he can swing a bat."

Cubs: Rookie Kyle Schwarber was scratched about a half-hour before the start of the game with right rib soreness. . OF Jorge Soler (left oblique strain) said he is feeling fine and hopes to begin swinging a bat later this week.

UP NEXT

Reds: Following a day-off Thursday, they begin a three-game home series against Milwaukee on Friday. RHP Keyvius Sampson (2-2, 6.43 ERA) goes for the Reds in the opener vs. RHP Matt Garza (6-14, 5.56).

Cubs: Off on Thursday. The homestand resumes on Friday with the first of three against Arizona. LHP Jon Lester (8-10, 3.59 ERA) pitches the opener.