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Cincinnati defeated Houston 3–1 on May 9 at Great American Ball Park in a low-scoring affair that fell well short of the Vegas total of 2. The Reds managed just 5 hits and a .681 OPS but capitalized on their opportunities, driving in all 3 runs while committing no errors. Houston's offense was similarly muted, collecting 4 hits with a .773 OPS and a lone home run that accounted for their only run; the Astros struck out 5 times against Cincinnati pitching. Both teams' pitching staffs were effective in limiting damage—the Reds' starter allowed just 4 hits and 1 earned run over his outing, while Houston's pitcher fanned 7 but surrendered 5 hits and 1 earned run, posting a 5.56 ERA. The Astros' inability to manufacture offense despite a slightly superior slugging percentage (.436 to .378) proved costly in a game decided by situational hitting and pitcher efficiency. Houston's bullpen struggles, evidenced by the elevated ERA, may warrant rotation adjustments as the team seeks to reverse early-season underperformance in the division race.