Cincinnati Reds Score 10-Run First Inning Beat Houston Astros

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Houston Astros 13-9 in a high-scoring game highlighted by a historic 10-run first inning, their most first-inning runs since 1989. Elly De La Cruz played a pivotal role, hitting a three-run home run and driving in four runs during the inning that overwhelmed Astros starter Lance McCullers Jr., who struggled with control and was pulled early. Despite the Reds building an 11-run lead, Astros mounted a comeback with six runs in the third inning, partly due to a two-run homer by Victor Caratini that forced Reds starter Brady Singer out of the game. The Reds bullpen stabilized the game, holding the Astros to just two more runs over the remaining innings. Cincinnati's offense was boosted by multiple players contributing RBIs and walks, with notable performances from Matt McLain and TJ Friedl, as the Reds overcame a recent scoring slump. This victory improved Cincinnati’s record to 20-21, as they seek to build momentum in the 2025 season.