HOUSTON — Drew Stubbs hit a go-ahead homer and the Cincinnati Reds rallied for three runs in the ninth inning against former teammate Francisco Cordero, beating the Houston Astros 4-2 Tuesday night and tying their longest winning streak of the year at six.
The NL Central-leading Reds sent Houston to its eighth straight loss.
Cordero got his first save chance since being acquired in a trade with Toronto last week. Stubbs hit a two-run homer for a 3-2 lead and Xavier Paul added an RBI single.
During the game, the last-place Astros announced they had traded pitcher Wandy Rodriguez to Pittsburgh.
Justin Maxwell’s two-run homer in the fourth gave Houston a 2-0 lead. Brandon Phillips doubled and scored on Paul’s single in the Cincinnati sixth.
Zack Cozart singled with one out in the Reds ninth and Stubbs hit his 10th home run. Jay Bruce drew a two-out walk, moved up on a wild pitch and after Scott Rolen walked, Paul singled.
Houston fans weren’t impressed with their first look at Cordero (3-6), who received a loud chorus of boos from the paltry crowd. Cordero played for the Reds from 2008 until last year, when he finished with 37 saves.
Paul finished with three hits.
Cincinnati closer Aroldis Chapman allowed a hit in a scoreless ninth for his 18th save.
Reds starter Mike Leake (4-6) scattered seven hits with two runs over eight innings for his first win since his pitched a complete game on June 29.
The day marked the end of an era for the Astros, who sent Rodriguez and cash to the Pirates for Triple-A All-Star Rudy Owen and Colton Cain, both left-handers, and outfielder Robbie Grossman.
Rodriguez was the only player on Houston’s roster remaining from their 2005 trip to the World Series and the fifth pitcher the rebuilding Astros have traded since Friday.
Leake walked Marwin Gonzalez to start the fourth. Chris Johnson singled with one out and Gonzalez was thrown out trying to reach third. Maxwell followed with his home run.
Astros rookie Lucas Harrell allowed seven hits and a run in seven innings.
NOTES: Houston C Jason Castro, on the DL with swelling in his right knee, is improving but isn’t quite ready to return to the team. … Reds starter Mat Latos was OK on Tuesday after spraining his left ankle in the fifth inning of Monday night’s win over the Astros.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
