Jonathan India started Cincinnati’s nine-run first inning with a 436-foot home run, and the Reds easily won their second consecutive game against the Houston Astros, 12-5 on Wednesday night.
The Reds quickly took charge against Spencer Arrighetti (7-12), with India hitting his 11th career lead-off home run and his first since July 12.
Elly De La Cruz contributed with a double and a single in the first inning, driving in two runs and stealing his major league-leading 62nd base. Tyler Stephenson and Amed Rosario each added two RBIs during the big inning.
Arrighetti didn’t make it past the first inning, giving up six hits and walking three.
“I thought they were on all his pitches. They just were not fooled,” said Astros manager Joe Espada. “They took some really good swings on him. That’s one you want to put behind quickly and get ready for your next one.”
Reds starter 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 pitched the last 3 1/3 innings, giving up a run and three hits while striking out six for his first save and only the second of his career.
“I think I got my first one in ‘21. It’s cool,” Suter said. “I was feeling good. I had the slider, the changeup, and both fastballs. It was all kind of working today.”
The Reds have now won three games in a row and, following a 5-3 victory over Houston in the first game on Monday night, have won a series for the first time since taking two out of three from the Blue Jays from August 19-21.
