Reds shrug off last week’s troubles, down Astros to win series

May 10, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) throws against the Houston Astros in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Let’s just go ahead and forget almost everything that happened during the first week of the month of May, shall we? Fresh off a streak-busting victory over the Houston Astros on Saturday spearheaded by Chase Burns, it was once again a Cincinnati Reds starter that fueled a win on Sunday.

This time, it was 2025 All Star Andrew Abbott, who fired 6. 0 IP of efficient (85 pitches), scoreless ball in his best outing since Opening Day. The bullpen backed up Abbott, who’ll take hom today’s Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game honors, and that was more than enough for a Reds offense that poured out 5 runs on Astros pitching on the day.

Spencer Steer homered from the #2 spot in the order, doing so after manager Terry Francona moved him up along with Will Benson (who was on-base twice out of the leadoff spot). Elly De La Cruz chipped in with a trio of hits and a steal, JJ Bleday continued his white-hot start in a Reds uniform by tripling in a pair of runs (along with a pair of walks, a steal, and a run scored) and Blake Dunn doubled and walked in a rare start against a RHP. All told, the Reds pounded out 9 hits, walked five times, and Benson’s HBP added on to a pretty excellent offensive showing when the club really, truly needed it.

Other Notes Abbott’s full line: 6. 0 IP, 3 H, BB, 5 K on 85 pitches. He lowered his season ERA down to 4.