Astros' Oswalt Continues Mastery of Reds

HOUSTON - Roy Oswalt pitched 6 2-3 innings to continue his mastery of Cincinnati, leading the Houston Astros over the Reds 5-3 Monday night.

Oswalt (14-8) allowed two runs and eight hits to improve his career record to 17-1 against Cincinnati. He struck out eight and didn't walk a batter before departing with muscle spasms in his neck.

Oswalt was 15-0 against Cincinnati until April 28, the longest streak without a loss for one pitcher against one team in major league history. He lost that day but started another streak against the Reds with a win at Cincinnati on Aug. 23.

The Astros kept their fleeting wild card hopes alive as they crept to within six games of …