Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips
was ejected in the eighth inning for arguing a checked-swing third strike.
His replacement, Wilson Valdez, let a potential victory slip right under his
glove as the Houston Astros edged the Reds, 2-1, in the middle test of a
three-game set.
Pinch-hitting for Fernando Martinez in the ninth inning, Matt Downs banged a
pinch-hit, two-out double off the wall in left field before Matt Dominguez was
intentionally walked and pinch-hitter Brandon Barnes was hit by a pitch to
load the bases.
Jose Altuve then hit a slow roller to second, but it got by Valdez, and Downs
came home for the winning run.
The Sports Network