REDS ROMP AT HOUSTON FOR SEVEN-GAME RUN

The Cincinnati Reds fully embrace their underdog status after losing 100 games just a year ago.

But if these red-hot Reds keep playing this well, it’s going to be difficult to continue to see them as underdogs.

Jonathan India hit a tworun homer and Will Benson had three hits and two RBIS to power the surging Reds to a 10-3 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday.

The victory extends Cincinnati’s winning streak to seven games, vaulting them into second place in the NL Central at 36-35, a half game behind Milwaukee and a

Reds 10, Astros 3

game ahead of Pittsburgh. It’s the first time the Reds have won seven in a row since June 2018, and it’s the longest active winning streak in the majors.

“We’re showing the world right now who we are and how we play and the brand we play,” India said. “So all I can say is that we’re going to keep it going.”

Hunter Greene allowed five hits and two runs in six innings to get his second win of the season.

“Belief is a big part of what’s going on in our clubhouse,” manager David Bell said. “We know how important that is, but part of that comes with hard work and playing hard every day and continuing to try to get better.”

Reds rookie Elly De La Cruz doubled among two hits and a stolen base after entering the game in an 0for-13 skid.

Jose Altuve tied a career best with four hits — three for extra bases — highlighted by a solo homer in the seventh inning as the Astros lost their third straight. It was his 35th career four-hit game, passing Craig Biggio for most in franchise history.

“It seems like right now everything they’re doing is right,” manager Dusty Baker said. “And we’re in a period where we’re doing most things wrong.”

Notable

The Guardians called up catching prospect Bo Naylor and put right-handed pitcher Triston Mckenzie on the 15-day injured list on Saturday. The moves came a day after Cleveland designated veteran catcher Mike Zunino for assignment.

The 23-year-old Naylor was hitting .254 with 13 homers and 48 RBIS at Triple-a Columbus. The Canadian was selected with the 29th overall pick of the 2018 draft.

He’ll join his older brother Josh Naylor, who also plays for the Guardians.

Brewers pitcher Wade Miley and designated hitter/ outfielder Jesse Winker were reinstated from the injured list before Milwaukee’s game against the Pirates.

The Cubs placed infielder Patrick Wisdom on the 10-day IL with a right wrist sprain. “I don’t think it’s surgery,” Cubs manager David Ross said, “but it definitely needs some medicine and some downtime.”

Wisdom is 5-for-54 with 27 Ks in his last 18 games, but he leads the Cubs with 14 homers this season.