Reds Beat Astros Again, Extend Win Streak to Seven

Espinal's Homer Powers Cincinnati to 5-2 Victory

Reds Now Just One Game Back of First Place Brewers

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Cincinnati Reds extended their winning streak to seven games with a 5-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park.

Santiago Espinal's solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the game-winning hit.

Justin Verlander took the loss for the Astros, allowing four runs on eight hits in six innings of work.

• The Reds have now won 14 of their last 17 games.
• They are now just one game back of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.
• Espinal's home run was his sixth of the season.
• Verlander has now lost three of his last four starts.

The Reds will look to continue their winning streak when they host the Astros again on Thursday night.

Luis Castillo will start for the Reds, while Framber Valdez will start for the Astros.