The game between the Cincinnati Red vs. the Houston Astros was a roller coaster ride from the very beginning, one both teams had ample opportunity to close out far before the 9th inning. The Astros had turned a huge deficit, into a lead of their own, only to be unable to close out the game on their way to a 12-9 loss. The loss pushed the Astros losing streak to 8 games and their record to 22-31 overall.

Commenting on the Astros losing streak, Astros third baseman Chris Johnson said, "It's almost unacceptable to lose this many games in a row. We've got to go out there and rip. We can't hope for a win, we have to go out there and take a win and do it as soon as possible. You have to do everything at 100 percent."

The damage started early as the Reds jumped all over Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez to take an early 8-2 lead. The Astros then mounted a comeback, but could not hold on. Rodriguez has been struggling mightily as of late, allowing nine hits and nine runs  in five innings. In his last two outings, he's allowed 19 hits and 16 runs in 10 innings, but he hasn't lost either start.

In response to his recent struggles, Rodriguez said, "I'm sorry because you know what, guys, I didn't have nothing today. I missed a lot with my location with my breaking ball and I couldn't throw it for a strike. It's hard when you're a pitcher and you feel like you feel today."

The Astros need to solve their first inning issues if they hope to snap their current losing streak. They are currently being outscored 20-5 in the first inning over the last 5 games.

What do you think of the Astros so far this season?

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