For the second game in a row, the Astros’ offense was silenced by rival pitchers. On Friday night, they scored only one run and lost the game 2-1 to open the series against the Cincinnati Reds. JP France, the losing pitcher, performed well but the offense went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.
The scoreboard remained scoreless for the first six innings as Tyler Stephenson hit a solo shot off France in the seventh. Minutes later, Kevin Newman recorded an RBI double to make it 2-0 and extend the Reds’ lead. The Astros couldn’t overcome that deficit.
JP France was dominant through 6 2/3 innings of four hits and two earned runs with one walk and three strikeouts.