The Reds lead the majors in several categories, including run differential (+26), team batting average (.339), runs (43) and on-base percentage (.404). They put up 12 runs and 14 hits in blasting the Astros for the second night in a row Wednesday. The Reds’ 43 runs is the franchises’ second-highest total through five games; the Big Red Machine scored 44 runs in the first five games of its 1976 World Series title season.

In Wednesday’s loss the Astros committed a season-high five errors. Their team batting average is just.214 to go with an overall club ERA of 8.03. Their five starting pitchers have gone 24 1/3 innings so far and allowed 26 earned runs (9.62 ERA) out of 31 runs total. The 0-5 Astros have now been outscored 41-17 through five games and are more than halfway to matching last year’s 0-8 start. Bill Hall sort of symbolizes the team’s struggles. He struck out three times Wednesday and is 2 for 19 with nine strikeouts this season.

Houston turns to Brett Myers (0-0, 1.29), who actually has been the team’s only good starter so far. He gave the Astros a quality start in his first appearance of the season Friday in Philadelphia, holding his former team to three hits, three walks and one earned run in seven innings. He didn't get a decision thanks to a blown save. Cincinnati turns to Sam LeCure (0-0, 0.00). He is in the fifth spot in the rotation thanks to an injury to Homer Bailey. LeCure pitched one scoreless inning of relief on Opening Day vs. the Brewers.

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