Johnson belts one out in eighth
(c) AP/Al Behrman
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Cincinnati starter and La Grange native Homer Bailey held the Astros to six hits and two runs over seven innings, striking out five, and went 3/3 at the plate, helping his team to a 6-4 victory over the Houston Astros Tuesday night.
The Reds took a 3-0 lead in the second inning against Houston starter Bud Norris, including a two-run tater by Devin Mesoraco. Houston fought back in the next frame as Jordan Schafer worked a leadoff walk, then J.D. Martinez knocked one out to close it to 3-2.
Norris left the game in the third with discomfort in his right shoulder. It's unknown whether he will be able to make his scheduled start Sunday against the Rockies.
Jay Bruce extended the Redleg lead to 5-2 with a two-run single off reliever Lucas Harrell in the fourth. Houston's Chris Johnson made it 5-4 in the eighth with a two-run pinch homer off reliever Bill Bray, but that was the last tally the 'Stros could muster. Cincinnati added an insurance run in the bottom of the frame.
Houston and Cincinnati cross bats again in Wednesday's rubber match, the Astros' last road game of 2011. Wandy Rodriguez (11-10, 3.55) will toe the rubber for Houston against the Reds' Bronson Arroyo (8-12, 5.34). First pitch is set for 11:35 a.m. CT.
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