Reds Beat Astros, Off To Best Start Since 1990

The Reds celebrate their 8-2 win over Houston

By:  Cooper Ledford


The Houston Astros were in town, as they were looking to be the first team to beat the Reds this season.  The Reds were looking to go to 4-0, if they did, they would be off to their best start since 1990, a year in which the Reds went wire-to-wire, and won the World Series.  For the Reds to win, they would have to have Mike Leake pitch well.  Leake had a poor Spring, but looked very good in this game, giving up only 2 runs, helping the Reds beat the Astros, 8-2.  Here is how.


In the 1st inning, Scott Rolen hit an RBI single, that would plate Phillips, 1-0 Cincy.  Same inning, with the bases loaded, Chris Heisey walked, that would plate Votto, 2-0.  Still in the 1st, Ramon Hernandez hit a grounder to short, they got the out at 2nd, but Chris Heisey broke up the double-play, allowing Rolen to score, 3-0 after 1 inning.


The Redlegs would be back at it in the 2nd, as they scored 2 runs in the inning.  One run scored when the bases were loaded, and Gomes walked.  The other run scored when Chris Heisey was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  So at the end of 2 innings, the Reds already had a nice 5-0 lead on the 'Stros.


In the 4th inning, Joey Votto hit a double to deep right center field, Phillips would come around to score, it was a 6-0 lead.  Then a few batters later, Chris Heisey hit an RBI single to bring in Votto, 7-0 the score.


Houston would get on the board in the 5th when Sanchez hit a 2 RBI single, Chris Johnson and Micheal Bourn would score, the lead was shortened to 5.


Cincinnati would answer back in their half of the 5th when Miguel Cairo hit a sac fly to plate the pitcher, Mike Leake, 8-2 the score, and that's how she finished.


Okay, let's talk about #44, Mike Leake.  Mike looked very good in this game, as he went 6 innings, only gave up 3 hits, 2 earned runs,  walked 2, and fanned 4.  Jordan Smith looked good out of the bullpen, as he had 2 innings of work, did give up 2 hits, but fanned 3.  In the 9th, Matt Maloney pitched a 1-2-3 inning to seal the deal and give the Reds win #4.


The Reds are the only 4 win team in the NL Central, and stand 1.5 games ahead of Chicago and Pittsburgh for 1st place in the division.  The Reds are 1 of only 3 teams in the MLB without a loss, along with Texas and Baltimore.


Wednesday the Reds will look to go to 5-0, and win the series against the Astros.  Game time is at 7:10 PM ET and will be on FS Ohio.