On a night Joey Votto ended his comeback bid to play for the Blue Jays, Toronto blew a six-run lead in an 11-7 loss Wednesday to his former team, the Cincinnati Reds.
Highlighted by a five-run fifth and three-run sixth, the Reds (62-65) scored 11 straight runs after George Springer, Spencer Horwitz and Ernie Clement homered to put Toronto (59-68) ahead 6-0.
Moments before the first pitch of the Blue Jays’ series finale against the team Votto spent his 17-year career with, the Toronto native announced his retirement on social media.
“That’s it, I’m done. I’m officially retired from baseball,” he said.
“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt.”
The 40-year-old Votto signed with his hometown Blue Jays in spring …