India’s top-of-the-chart HR sparks Reds’ 12-5 rout of Astros – The Tribune

CINCINNATI (AP) — Jonathan India led off Cincinnati’s nine-run first inning with a 436-foot homer and the Reds won their second straight against the Houston Astros, 12-5, on Wednesday night.

The Reds immediately went to work against Spencer Arrighetti (7-12), with India hitting his 11th career home run and first since July 12.

Elly De La Cruz had a first-inning double and single, two RBIs and her major league-high 62nd stolen base. Tyler Stephenson and Amed Rosario each drove in two runs in the outburst.

Arrighetti didn’t make it out of the first inning, allowing six hits and three walks.

“I thought they were on all his pitches. They just didn’t let it fool them,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “They had some really good swings at him. It’s a play you’ve got to get over quickly and get ready for the next one.”

Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez (7-6) pitched into the sixth inning, allowing four runs and six hits. He threw a season-high 107 pitches and struck out seven batters.

“I was gassed,” he said.

Brent Suter has cruised through the last 3 1/3 games, allowing one run and three hits with six strikeouts for his first save and just the second of his career.

“I think I hit my first shot of 2021. That’s cool,” Suter said. “I felt good. I had the slider, the changeup and both fastballs. Everything was working pretty well today.”

The Reds won their third straight and, after a 5-3 victory over Houston in Game 1 on Monday night, secured a series victory for the first time since taking two of three against the Blue Jays from Aug. 19-21.

De La Cruz hit 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Stephenson had two hits and three RBIs.

“It was really good. We started the game well,” De La Cruz said.

Jon Singleton hit a two-out solo home run in the seventh inning for the Astros.

TRAINERS’ ROOM

Astros: Kyle Tucker (leg) walked the bases before the game and took live batting practice. “He’s really, really close,” manager Joe Espada said. “That’ll be the case in the next few days.”

Reds: It appears less likely that INF Matt McLain will return this season as doctors try to figure out why he is suffering from shoulder pain. He suffered a shoulder injury in spring training.

FOLLOWING

Reds rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder (0-1, 2.25 ERA), who made his major league debut last Friday, was scheduled to face Astros right-hander Hunter Brown (11-7, 3.55 ERA) on Thursday in the three-game interleague series finale.

Reds 12, Astros 5

a-struck for Diaz in the 9th.

E-Whitley (1), Dubón (6), Espinal (6). LOB – Houston 7, Cincinnati 7. 2B – Bregman (27), Caratini (7), De La Cruz 2 (33), Friedl (5), Rosario (1), Fraley (14). HR – Singleton (13), off Suter; India (14), ahead of Arrighetti. RBI – Gamel (4), Dezenzo 2 (6), McCormick (25), Singleton (36), India (53), Friedl 2 (44), France (11), Rosario 2 (6), De La Cruz 2 ( 63), Stephenson 3 (58), Bouvillon (86). SB–Fraley (18), France (1), De La Cruz (62).

Runners remained in scoring position – Houston 3 (Whitcomb, Bregman, Dezenzo); Cincinnati 4 (France 2, Espinal, Rosario). RISP – Houston 3 for 11; Cincinnati 8 for 17.

The finalists have progressed: Stephenson, LIDP: Friedl, GIDP: Alvarez.

DP–Houston 1 (Dezenzo); Cincinnati 1 (De La Cruz, France).

Inherited Runners-Scored–Scott 2-2, Ort 2-0, Suter 2-1. WP–Ort, Martinez(2).

Referees – Home, Shane Livensparger; First, Brian O’Nora; Second, Brennan Miller; Third, Chris Conroy.

T–2:56. A–17,865 (43,891).