The Cincinnati Reds finally put an end to their frustrating eight-game losing streak on Saturday, snapping the skid with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park.

Former Dayton Dragon Chase Burns delivered a stellar performance on the mound, tossing six solid innings to keep the Astros in check. His command and composure set the stage for a much-needed Reds comeback.

The game was a pitcher's duel early, with Houston taking a slim 1-0 lead into the bottom of the fifth inning. That's when the Reds offense finally came alive. With runners on second and third, Matt McLain wasted no time, jumping on the first pitch from Astros starter Spencer Arrighetti and lining a two-run single into left field. The hit put Cincinnati ahead 2-1, marking their first lead since Wednesday's game in Chicago when they were up 6-4.

The rally didn't stop there. With two outs, Elly De La Cruz drilled an RBI single to drive in Jose Trevino, extending the lead to 3-1. The play was nearly bigger, but McLain was thrown out at the plate trying to score from first. Still, the damage was done, and the Reds' bullpen made the lead stand up the rest of the way.

De La Cruz finished with two hits on the day, providing a spark from the top of the lineup that had been missing during the losing streak. For a team that's been searching for momentum, this win could be just what the doctor ordered.

The Reds and Astros will face off in the rubber game of this three-game series on Sunday, with first pitch scheduled for 1:40 p.m. Cincinnati will look to build on this victory and start a winning streak of their own.