Espinal, France power Reds to 5-3 win in series opener vs. Astros

CINCINNATI (WXIX) – After losing six of their final seven games in August, the Cincinnati Reds bounced back with a 5-3 win over the Houston Astros on Labor Day.

Santiago Espinal led the charge for Cincinnati on Monday. After struggling for much of the first half of the season, the Reds’ versatile utility player is hitting .412 with 18 RBI over his last 30 games. Espinal tallied two hits, two RBI and a stolen base in the game. His two-run single in the fifth inning proved to be the difference.

Ty France racked up four hits, a double and an RBI in the win. It’s his first four-hit game of the season.

With starters Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Andrew Abbott on the injured list, the Reds once again turned to their bullpen. Cincinnati used five pitchers in the win. Carson Spiers picked up his fifth win of the season in relief. He tossed 2.1 innings and gave up just one run.

Emilio Pagan also pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless relief. Justin Wilson retired the final batter of the game to earn his second save of the season.

The victory marks Cincinnati’s first win streak since August 14 when they swept the Cardinals. They’ve now won seven straight games against the Astros.

The Reds have an off day Tuesday before resuming their series with the Astros on Wednesday. Spencer Arrighetti (7-11, 4.63 ERA) is scheduled to start game two for Houston. Cincinnati has not yet announced a starter.

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