Instant Reaction: Offensive Woes Continue as Reds Fall 3-0 to Astros

The Reds have lost six of their last seven games.

May 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) reacts after striking out against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images / Erik Williams-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds (19-21) fell to the Houston Astros (19-18) 3-0 on Friday night.

Here are our postgame takeaways:

Martinez Hit Hard, But Battled

Nick Martinez got hit hard early and often on Friday night, but he battled and was able to hold the Astros to three runs over six innings. The right-hander gave up 10 hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out five.

Brent Suter followed Martinez and tossed two scoreless innings in relief.

Offensive Struggles Continue

The Reds have scored four runs or less in six straight games. Hunter Brown started on the mound for Houston and allowed just two hits over 5 2/3 innings while striking out nine.

The Reds managed just two hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings against the Houston bullpen.

Cincinnati was 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

News and Notes

• Elly De La Cruz is 0 for his last 11 at the plate.
• The Reds are 0-16 when trailing after six innings.
• The Reds are 4-15 when scoring three or fewer runs.
• The Reds are 5-12 when they do not hit a home run.

Up Next

The Reds and Astros will play game two of the series on Saturday at 7:10 ET. Brady Singer will start on the mound for Cincinnati.

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

MLB Insider Makes Bold Declaration Following Hunter Greene's Latest Start for Reds

Reds' Ace Hunter Greene Showcases Leadership With Support of Ian Gibaut 

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram