HOUSTON — In a game that showcased Houston Astros’ strong pitching and timely hitting, Hunter Brown led his team to a 3-0 victory over the struggling Cincinnati Reds on Friday night.
Brown, who has been on fire lately, pitched masterfully by limiting the Reds to just two hits into the sixth inning. In achieving his sixth win of the season, Brown struck out nine batters, matching his season-high figure for the fourth straight start. Though he gave up a season-high four walks, it did not deter him as he secured his fifth consecutive win. Brown’s night ended after issuing a walk to Gavin Lux with two outs in the sixth inning. Kaleb Ort then took over, seamlessly closing the inning by getting Spencer Steer to hit into a force play at second base.
Closer Josh Hader polished off the ninth inning to earn his ninth save of the season, enhancing the Astros’ resilient defensive display. The Reds, unable to muster much offense, finished the game with a mere four hits, marking their sixth loss in seven games.
On the mound for the Reds, right-hander Nick Martinez fought through six innings, allowing 10 hits and three runs without issuing any walks and striking out five. Martinez picked up his fourth loss, plagued yet again by a lack of run support.
The Astros offense found its groove in the second inning when Zach Dezenzo hit a key two-out RBI single to break the ice. In the fifth, Houston added two more insurance runs. Brendan Rodgers started the inning with a leadoff double. Mauricio Dubón followed with a chopper that eluded third baseman Santiago Espinal, advancing Rodgers to third. Jeremy Peña capitalized on the opportunity by grounding out to score Rodgers, while later in the inning, Isaac Paredes hit a double that brought home Dubón.
The team saw contributions from multiple players as Jose Altuve, Christian Walker, and Yainer Diaz each amassed two hits, rounding out a well-rounded offensive effort.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati saw one of its key players, Austin Hays, return to the lineup after a 10-game absence due to a left hamstring strain. Although Hays went 1 for 4, the Reds missed the services of outfielder Jake Fraley, who was scratched from the game because of left calf tenderness.
A pivotal moment came in the ninth inning when Tyler Stephenson sparked a glimmer of hope for Cincinnati with a one-out double. However, Hader extinguished the threat by striking out Rece Hinds and Espinal, clinching the victory for Houston.
Friday’s win marked Houston’s first triumph over the Reds since June 19, 2016, effectively halting a nine-game losing streak against Cincinnati.
Looking ahead, Lance McCullers Jr. is set to make his second start of the season for the Astros on Saturday night. It will mark his first appearance at home since October 2022. McCullers will face off against Reds’ right-hander Brady Singer, who holds a 4-2 record with a 3.66 ERA. The match-up promises an exciting continuation of this interleague series.