HOUSTON, July 7 (UPI) -- Roy Oswalt allowed a run and three hits in six innings and Eric Bruntlett hit his first career homer Monday as Houston beat Cincinnati, 7-1.
Oswalt (5-4) had been sidelined since June 11 with a strained right groin but came back in time to face one of his favorite opponents. Retiring the last eight batters he faced, Oswalt improved to 7-0 with a 1.56 ERA in 10 lifetime appearances against Cincinnati.
Bruntlett was inserted into the lineup when starting shortstop Adam Everett was hit in the head by a batted ball during batting practice. Bruntlett provided a two-run homer off Reds starter Ryan Dempster (2-6) in the fourth.
Morgan Ensberg added his team-leading 16th homer of the season, a solo shot in the seventh inning.
Dempster was tagged for six runs and seven hits in four innings.
