For one reason or another, the Reds have given the Astros fits for the past 13 years. I suppose we can count that as payback for Roy Oswalt dominating them for the better part of a decade. However, with Houston’s transition to the American League, these former division rivals haven’t often faced each other. Since the 2012 season, the Astros have played Cincinnati 29 times, achieving only six victories. Indeed, a dreadful 6-23 record. That last victory occurred on June 19, 2016, the season before the remarkable run of AL West titles and deep postseason appearances. So, you know, almost nine years ago. I’m not sure about you, but my life has changed dramatically during that time.
Thankfully, that streak has ended, with the Astros securing a 3-0 victory against the Reds on Friday night. Was it the most impressive game of the season? Nah, but a win is a win when trying to eliminate a rather undesirable streak.
For the game itself, Hunter Brown continues to look like an ace. Has he surpassed Framber Valdez in the pecking order? I think that’s a worthy conversation at this point. In any case, Brown held the Reds scoreless through 5 2⁄3 innings, allowing only a pair of hits and striking out nine. Of course, he created some traffic on the basepaths by walking four hitters, mainly due to location and occasional strike zone inconsistency. But, again, aces are supposed to work around those issues, and Brown did precisely that.
With Brown a bit more inefficient than usual, the bullpen had to absorb the remaining 3 1⁄3 innings. Thankfully, they did their job, even if there were some stressful moments to close this one out, particularly with Bryan Abreu putting two runners on base before escaping the jam by catching Gavin Lux looking to end the eighth inning. Josh Hader struck out the side, although he also gave up a one-out double before picking up the save.
For the lineup, twelve hits feel like an accomplishment without Yordan Alvarez. Christian Walker had two hits, as did Jose Altuve and Yainer Díaz. All of the starters picked up at least one hit. So, from that angle, it was a productive night. However, it wasn’t exactly all that productive. The lineup, again, failed to convert most of their opportunities, topping out with three runs, 3-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Zach Dezenzo, Jeremy Peña, and Isaac Paredes collected RBI to drive in those three runs, but plenty were left on the bases.
The Astros now find themselves back over .500 again, with a 19-18 record. Lance McCullers Jr. will make his second start of the season on Saturday, and first at home since 2022, with the Reds sending out Brady Singer.