Coco can't close on Reds

Game two of the three game series was more of a struggle than Reds skipper Dusty Baker had anticipated. His starting pitcher Mike Leake produced a quality start though giving up two earned runs on a Maxwell two run shot.

By the bottom of the 6th inning Leakes pitch count was an amazing 64 while the opposing Harrel notched 106. Xavier Pual showing extreme plate discipline working the count on Harral notches an RBI single to score Brandon Phillips, cutting the Astro lead in half.

Leake kept the Astros at bay at the bottom of the 7th; around the same time the Bucs collect a loss against the Cubbies and the Dodgers/Cardinal game is tied 2-2.

Harrel quickens his pace and completely shuts down the Reds offense. On a two our pitch Stubbs singles but is ultimately stranded. A plaguing problem for the Cincinnati club.

In the top of the 9th, the Astros send closer and former Reds Francisco Cordero. Coco strikes out Ludwick as the Reds only have two more chances to get back in the ballgame. Cozart draws a walk patiently working the count. Drew Stubbs the hero of the day, blasted a two run shot putting the Reds ontop 3-2. Jay Bruce walked and got to second on a wild pitch, Rolen walked when Paul shot a RBI single scoring Bruce 4-2.

The bottom of the 9th was a show for the Astros as the crowd roared in excitement watching Aroldis Chapman take the mound and fire triple-digit heaters past the Astro offense. The club didn't stand a chance strikeout after strikeout.

Ultimately the Reds continue their historic winning streak while looking to unleash back-to-back sweeps on NL rivals.

Tonight's 8:05 series closer is the Reds last game before a much needed day off Thursday. The Reds head to Colorado for a three game series this weekend.