John Cena Classic Complete Breakdown And Predictions
John Cena Classic Announced: What to Expect and Predictions
The Cincinnati Reds ended their losing streak by capitalizing on a mistake by the Houston Astros. The game took place at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) has a seat in the dugout after grounding out in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows (50) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits a double down the left field line in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) celebrates a double in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
The Houston Astros made a miscue that the Cincinnati Reds took advantage of to secure their victory.
The Cincinnati Reds played against the Houston Astros on May 8, 2026.
The game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros was held at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati.
The Reds ended their losing streak by winning the game against the Astros after exploiting an error made by the opposing team.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) adjusts his gear in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) catches a pop up off the bat of Cam Smith in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) dives into third on a triple in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros left fielder Zach Dezenzo (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros left fielder Zach Dezenzo (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows (50) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) makes contact as he lines out in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) challenges a strike before striking out in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Home plate umpire Ryan Blakney (36) signals to the booth on a ABS challenge in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) catches a new ball as he circles the mound in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) tosses the ball to second baseman Matt McLain to start a double play on a ground ball off the bat of Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (44) has a seat in the dugout in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) takes a pitch for a strike in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) singles to right field in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) strikes out swinging with the bases loaded in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) reacts as he watches a pop up in the seventh inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) adjusts his hat after the third out of the Reds half of the seventh inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) scores from third on an Isaac Paredes single in the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) walks for the dugout after the top of the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tejay Antone (70) pumps his fist after getting out of the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) and center fielder Zach Cole (16) celebrate Cole’s two run home run in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Houston Astros catcher Christian Vázquez (2) celebrates a solo home run in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) receives pitcher Tony Santillan (64) after giving up back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) walks for the dugout after being relieved in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) enters the game to pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) fields a ground ball off of the bat of Christian Walker for a double play to end the top of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) pumps his fist after pitching out of the top of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) walks for the dugout after striking out to end the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Houston Astros catcher Christian Vázquez (2) and pitcher Logan VanWey (64) hug after the final out of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
Injured infielder Euguenio Suarez peps up shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) after the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) has a seat in the dugout after grounding out in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) has a seat in the dugout after grounding out in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows (50) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) hits a double down the left field line in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) celebrates a double in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) adjusts his gear in the first inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) catches a pop up off the bat of Cam Smith in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) dives into third on a triple in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros left fielder Zach Dezenzo (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros left fielder Zach Dezenzo (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros pitcher Mike Burrows (50) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) makes contact as he lines out in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) challenges a strike before striking out in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Home plate umpire Ryan Blakney (36) signals to the booth on a ABS challenge in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) catches a new ball as he circles the mound in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) tosses the ball to second baseman Matt McLain to start a double play on a ground ball off the bat of Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (44) in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo (44) has a seat in the dugout in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) takes a pitch for a strike in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) singles to right field in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) strikes out swinging with the bases loaded in the third inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026.
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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) reacts as he watches a pop up in the seventh inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) adjusts his hat after the third out of the Reds half of the seventh inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (27) scores from third on an Isaac Paredes single in the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson (37) walks for the dugout after the top of the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tejay Antone (70) pumps his fist after getting out of the eighth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Houston Astros left fielder Brice Matthews (0) and center fielder Zach Cole (16) celebrate Cole’s two run home run in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Houston Astros catcher Christian Vázquez (2) celebrates a solo home run in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) receives pitcher Tony Santillan (64) after giving up back-to-back home runs in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Tony Santillan (64) walks for the dugout after being relieved in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) enters the game to pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds third baseman Sal Stewart (27) fields a ground ball off of the bat of Christian Walker for a double play to end the top of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) pumps his fist after pitching out of the top of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Cincinnati Reds first baseman Spencer Steer (7) walks for the dugout after striking out to end the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Houston Astros catcher Christian Vázquez (2) and pitcher Logan VanWey (64) hug after the final out of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
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Injured infielder Euguenio Suarez peps up shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) after the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Friday, May 8, 2026. The Reds lost the series opener, 10-0.
The Cincinnati Reds were due for a fortuitous break to fall in their favor, and probably overdue given the nature of the eight-game losing streak they were on.
For the first time in more than a week, they got that break and defeated the Houston Astros 3-1 Saturday, May 9 to snap the streak.
Pierce Johnson filled in for closer Emilio Pagan and pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his first save as a Red.
When the break finally arrived there was no mistaking that the moment in question could mean something significant to the struggling, suddenly-last-place Reds.
Trailing the Astros 1-0 in the fifth inning and facing the real possibility of a ninth straight loss, Astros right fielder Cam Smith simply dropped a fly ball off catcher Jose Trevino's bat. With only long shadows from the stadium's light towers and the west grandstand possibly adding to the degree of difficulty, there was nothing exceptional about what was required of Smith: The ball was about 85 mph off Trevino's bat and traveled 293 feet.
Chase Burns pitching six outstanding innings, allowing only four hits, including a solo home run, on 87 pitches. Burns lowered his season ERA to 2.11.
It was a lazy fly ball, and a no-doubt second out of the inning. Until it wasn't, and the doorway to Cincinnati's first win since April 30 cracked open even as Houston starter Spencer Arrighetti had dominated up to that point.
Matt McLain kicked the door down, punishing the Astros for their error. He punched two-run single into left field to put the Reds up, 2-1. Later in the inning and with the bases loaded again, Elly De La Cruz singled home another run for a 3-1 advantage.
McLain attempted to score from second base on the De La Cruz hit and was tagged out at home, but Cincinnati had inflicted enough damage offensively on a day when the pitching staff delivered on all fronts.
On the mound, Chase Burns was in the midst of another strong outing. He spent 87 pitches over six innings, allowing four hits and a lone run. The only blight on Burns' outing was a solo homer in the top of the fifth inning by Braden Shewmake.
Burns (4-1) went at least six innings for the third consecutive game, and covered a total of 19 innings over his last three starts. He allowed only three runs over that stretch, and he lowered his ERA from 2.20 at game's outset to 2.11 by the time he was lifted after the sixth inning.
Arrighetti was charged with just one earned run in his 5 2/3 innings of work. He didn't allow Cincinnati's first hit until De La Cruz singled in the fourth inning.
The Reds didn't record an extra-base hit in the contest. It wasn't glamorous but it was enough to avoid falling to .500 as the club improved to 21-19.
After Burns, Brock Burke and Graham Ashcraft posted scoreless, hitless frames in the seventh and eighth innings.
Requiring a save for the first time since the club lost closer Pagán to the injured list with a hamstring strain that expected to sideline him for at least a month, Cincinnati turned to Johnson.
Acquired in the offseason via the free-agent market, Johnson was already putting together a formidable season. The save he recorded was his first since May 13, 2025.
The Reds will send out Opening Day starter Andrew Abbott (1-2, 5.12 ERA) for the May 10 series finale against Houston. Abbott has pitched effectively in back-to-back starts. He went six innings and allowed two runs April 30 against the Colorado Rockies prior to tossing 5 2/3 scoreless innings May 5 against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.
The Astros hadn't announced their starter as of first pitch for the May 9 game.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds, Chase Burns, end losing streak by beating Astros