Reds 4, Astros 2: Drew Stubbs collected three hits, including a two-run homer with one out in the ninth inning that erased a deficit and lifted visiting Cincinnati to its sixth consecutive victory.

Mike Leake tossed eight strong innings and Xavier Paul registered three hits and two RBIs for the Reds, who increased their lead over Pittsburgh in the National League Central to 2 1/2 games with their 13th win in 15 contests.

With Cincinnati trailing 2-1, Zack Cozart singled off former Red Francisco Cordero (0-1) with one out. Stubbs then drilled a 2-0 offering into the Crawford Boxes in left field for his 10th blast of the season.

After a groundout by Brandon Phillips, Cordero walked Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen. Paul, who drove in the Reds' first run with an infield hit, followed with an RBI single for a 4-2 advantage.

Leake (4-6) allowed two runs and seven hits en route to his second win in nine starts. The right-hander, who struck out six and walked one, has yielded two earned runs or less in six of those outings.

All-Star Aroldis Chapman gave up a leadoff single in the ninth before striking out the side for his 18th save in 22 chances.

Justin Maxwell hit a two-run homer for the Astros, who have lost eight in a row and 21 of 23.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Paul, who was recalled from Triple-A Louisville on Wednesday, made his first major-league start since Sept. 28 while with Pittsburgh. ... Houston RHP Lucas Harrell has won only once in his last six starts despite allowing fewer than two runs five times. ... Reds RHP Mat Latos, who suffered a sprained ankle in Monday's win, expects to make his next scheduled start. ... Less than 24 hours after losing the series opener, LHP Wandy Rodriguez was traded by Houston to Pittsburgh for three minor-leaguers. Rodriguez was the last remaining member of the Astros' 2005 National League championship team.