Matt Downs hit a tie-breaking solo homer in the eighth inning as the Houston Astros came from behind to defeat the host Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Monday.

Clint Barmes drove in a run and starter J.A. Happ struck out nine over six solid innings for the Astros, who have won back-to-back games.

Downs got a 2-2 pitch down in the zone from Nick Masset (3-6) and crushed it to left-center for his ninth homer to give Houston its first lead of the game.

David Carpenter (1-3) picked up his first major league victory and Mark Melancon worked the ninth for his 19th save.

For the second game in a row, the Reds had to scramble to find a starter because of Dontrelle Willis’ back spasms. Lefthander Travis Wood got the call and dominated, surrendering four hits in five scoreless innings and leaving in line for the win with a 2-0 lead.

Logan Ondrusek was the first man out of the bullpen and let Wood’s effort slip away. J.D. Martinez led off the sixth with a single and scored two batters later on Todd Frazier’s error at third base. After a bunt single, Barmes brought in the tying run with a fielder’s choice.