NL RECAPS

Final Score: Cincinnati 8, Houston 3

Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Mat Latos tossed five strong innings and the Reds pounded out 17 hits in an 8-3 victory over the Astros in the opener of a three-game set Monday at Minute Maid Park. Latos (8-3) allowed just two runs on eight hits and two walks over five frames to earn the victory, while Todd Frazier and Ryan Ludwick each registered three hits, two RBI and two runs scored to help the Reds earn their fifth straight victory. Cincinnati now owns a 1 1/2 game lead in the National League Central over the Pittsburgh Pirates, who lost to the Chicago Cubs earlier on Monday. Wandy Rodriguez (7-9) absorbed the loss after giving up three runs on seven hits and three walks with six strikeouts over six innings. Chris Johnson tied a career-high with four base hits, but the Astros dropped their seventh straight game and have now lost 20 of their last 22 contests.

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