Reds 3, Dodgers 2: Joey Votto belted a two-run homer and Mike Leake overcame a rocky start to toss 7 2/3 solid innings as host Cincinnati recorded its fourth win in five outings.

Votto collected two hits and scored twice while Zack Cozart extended his season-high hitting streak to 11 games. Shin-Soo Choo also scored for the Reds, who reside two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the National League Central and eight ahead of Washington in the race for the second wild card.

Hanley Ramirez launched a two-run homer in the first inning for the Dodgers, who taxed their bullpen after starter Chris Capuano exited with a mild left groin strain in the second inning. Los Angeles has dropped two straight following a six-game winning streak and remains two games behind Atlanta for the top record in the NL.

Votto brought the Reds to within 2-1 after scoring on a double-play ball in the fourth inning before his 22nd homer in the fifth put them ahead. Votto belted a 1-0 sinker from J.P. Howell (2-1) over the wall in left for his second homer in five contests.

After permitting 28 runs in his previous six outings (33 2/3 innings), Leake (12-6) settled down after Ramirez's homer to handcuff the Dodgers. The 25-year-old allowed two runs on five hits before Aroldis Chapman - who was pitching for the fourth straight day for the first time in his career - struck out the side in the ninth for his 35th save.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Capuano, who was making the start in place of ailing Hyun-Jin Ryu (back), exited the contest after making a pitch to Cozart. ... Ramirez opened the scoring after depositing a 1-0 sinker from Leake over the wall in left field for his 16th homer - and fourth in 11 contests. ... OF Matt Kemp injured his right hamstring, causing the Dodgers to shut down his rehabilitation indefinitely. Kemp hasn't played for Los Angeles since July 21.