France homers as part of 9 for 11 series, Reds' 1-0 victory extends winning streak vs. Astros to 9

CINCINNATI (AP) — Ty France homered in the seventh inning as part of a series sweep in which he went 9 for 11, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Houston 1-0 Thursday for its ninth straight win over the Astros.

Rhett Lowder, the seventh overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, allowed four hits over 6 1/3 innings in his second big league start.

“We knew they were an aggressive team. I had to come out with my best stuff and get them out as fast as possible,” said Lowder, who has allowed just one run in his first 10 1/3 innings. “I feel really good with where my games at right now.”

The 22-year-old right-hander with shoulder-length hair walked four and struck out three.

“There is no question that he’s showing he was prepared to be here and he’s doing it in such a way that shows he knows how to pitch,” Reds manager David Bell said. “He located pitches, great mix, four different pitches. To do it against that team with their lineup is a great experience for him. He will continue to get better.”

Tony Santillan (2-2) induced an inning-ending double play in the seventh and worked around a walk in a hitless eighth. Alexis Díaz pitched a perfect ninth for his 25th save in 29 chances, finishing a four-hitter.

Cincinnati pitched its fifth shutout, tied with the Chicago White Sox for second-fewest in the major leagues behind Colorado with one.

Houston's AL Central lead was cut to five games over Seattle, which played at Oakland later Thursday. The Reds also swept Houston in three-game series in 2019 and 2023.

After Hunter Brown allowed four hits in six innings, Bryan Abreu (2-3) allowed France's 12th home run this season.

“I had a good series in Kansas City but off the top of my head, I can't remember a series like this,” said France who often faced the Astros when he played for Seattle.

Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña had two hits and two big defensive plays. He hopped on second to avoid a sliding Jake Fraley and gloved the toss from second baseman Jose Altuve for an inning-ending forceout in the fourth, then picked up Jonathan India's grounder on the outfield grass in the fifth and made a strong throw on the fly to first baseman Jon Singleton for the out.

Yordan Alvarez was 0 for 4 a day after a 10-game hitting streak ended and was 1 for 11 in the series.

“We had some great fielding plays that kept us in a close game,” Houston manager Joe Espada said. “We had some opportunities to score but couldn't get the big hit. It was a grind.”

Astros manager Joe Espada was ejected by plate umpire Brian O'Nora signaled a 1-1 changeup hit Alex Bregman but first base umpire Brennan Miller signaled foul ball, which became the call. While replays showed Bregman was struck on the right arm, a video review ruled the call on the field stood.

Espada came out for a lengthy discussion and returned to the dugout. Then, after Bregman took a full-count pitch for a called third strike, Espada was ejected by O'Nora for apparently yelling from the dugout, his fourth ejection this season.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Astros: OF Kyle Tucker, sidelined since June 3 by a leg injury, ran and took batting practice Thursday. Espada hopes he will be activated Friday.

Reds: LHP Andrew Abbott (strained left shoulder) started a throwing program on Wednesday. RHP Hunter Greene (sore right elblow) was scheduled to throw side sessions Thursday and Sunday.

UP NEXT

Astros: LHP Framber Valdez (13-6, 3.11) will start Friday against visiting Arizona, which goes with RHP Brandon Pfaadt (9-7, 4.32).

Reds: Cincinnati had not announced a starter for Friday's series opener at the New York Mets, who start LHP Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.35) and enter with a seven-game inning streak.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brent Suter (31) and catcher Luke Maile (22) celebrate after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros, ,Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Houston Astros' Jon Singleton watches his home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Houston Astros starting pitcher Hunter Brown throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) reacts to being ejected by home plate umpire Brian O'Nora during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) and second baseman Jonathan India (6) celebrate after winning a baseball game against the Houston Astros, 1-0, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Díaz throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada (19) reacts to being ejected by home plate umpire Brian O'Nora during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz catches a pop fly hit by Houston Astros Jeremy Peña during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Alexis Díaz reacts as Houston Astros' Ben Gamel strikes out swinging for the final out in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Houston Astros pitcher Caleb Ferguson throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds' Ty France, right, celebrates with third base coach J.R. House as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds' Ty France, right, celebrates with third base coach J.R. House as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Cincinnati Reds' Ty France hits a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

NEW YORK (AP) — The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards are over, with “Shogun” claiming the top drama prize and “Hacks” winning best comedy.

The hosts, father-son duo Eugene and Dan Levy, opened the show Sunday night. They won Emmys at the 2020 awards for “Schitt’s Creek.”

“Shogun,” “The Bear” and “Baby Reindeer” were favorites going into the night. “Shogun” emerged with the top drama prize and “Baby Reindeer” snagged the limited series trophy. “Shogun″ extended its lead for most wins by a show in a single season, collecting 18 Emmys this year.

But “Hacks" emerged as the top comedy series, denying “The Bear” a comedy series repeat.

The Emmys are back in their traditional mid-September spot after a single strike-delayed edition in January.

The show began at 8 p.m., Eastern time, and is airing on ABC from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.

Here's the latest:

“I’m blessed with all the people around me who helped me make it happen. I kind of just feel a bit overwhelmed right now. I wasn’t expecting this,” Richard Gadd said backstage after his three wins for “Baby Reindeer.” “I’m just so glad that the show has touched the lives of so many people, and the Academy have acknowledged it in this way. It’s the greatest night of my life. What can I say?”

Gadd also initially declined to answer a question about the $170 million defamation lawsuit Netflix is facing for the show, but then spoke to its impact. The lawsuit comes from the woman who claims to be the inspiration for the series, which is based off of Gadd’s life and experience with a woman who stalked him.

“It’s easy in this day and age to focus on the negatives,” he said before saying the show has driven some viewers to donate to sexual assault and stalking-focused charities and has done “phenomenal things worldwide for so many people.”

Hiroyuki Sanada is the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best actor in a drama.

“I am beyond honored to be here with amazing nominees,” he said. “‘Shogun’ taught me when we work together, we can make miracles. We can create a better future together.”

Sanada received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Anna Sawai is the first Japanese actor to win best actress in a drama. The actor, who is a first-time nominee, was tearful throughout her speech.

“I was crying before my name was announced. I’m a mess today,” she said.

“This to all the women who expect nothing and continue to be an example for everyone,” she added.

“Shogun” also won best drama series.

John Oliver, who won scripted variety series for "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,'' said he was ‘honestly’ happy to get the cue to wrap up when he mentioned his dog during his acceptance speech.

“I’m not well versed in sincerity, as a British person and as a comedian, so I didn’t really want to get upset and thankfully, whoever was on that board, I think said, ‘You can’t carry this off’ and walked me straight into a joke. So, I’m very, very grateful that they gave me the parachute so I could avoid my feelings once more. But yeah, we had a great dog, and we had to say goodbye this week, and it’s brutal,” he said backstage.

In his acceptance, Oliver dedicated his Emmy to his recently deceased dog — and “all dogs.” He quarreled with the play-off music in a bleeped exchange.

Lamorne Morris, star of “Fargo,” is taking home his first Emmy award on his first nomination.

The “New Girl” star was clearly flustered as he accepted the award, saying he has a poster of fellow nominee Robert Downey Jr. in his house and asked him to sign it.

“My beautiful daughter, Lily. I love you. I told you I would do it. You’ve always doubted me,” he joked.

The breakout star from Netflix’s most recent season of “Bridgerton,” Nicola Coughlan added an Artists4Ceasefire red pin to her glittering off-the-shoulder gown. Coughlan has been outspoken in supporting Palestinians and calling for a cease-fire.

Actors across the award season have been wearing the Artists4Ceasefire red pin with a hand holding a heart to demand a cease-fire in Gaza and a release of the Israeli hostages.

Ahead of the premiere of the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” on Sept. 28, cast members from the sketch show’s storied history have gathered for an unforgettable reunion.

Former members Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Seth Meyers joined current regular Bowen Yang onstage.

The segment leans into the January Emmys’ nostalgia-laden programming, which included Tina Fey and Amy Poehler presenting an award in the style of SNL’s famed “Weekend Update,” along with the casts of “Cheers,” “Martin” and other hit shows reuniting.

Jessica Gunning, who haunts as stalker Martha on “Baby Reindeer,” accepts the Emmy for her performance from a group of actors who have portrayed iconic villains in a fitting pairing. She got emotional as she thanked Richard Gadd, the star and creator of the series.

“I tried so many times to put into words what working on ‘Baby Reindeer’ meant to me and I fail every time,” she said. “It really means a lot. So, thank you, reindeer.”

“Today, a Republican vice president would never attack a woman for having kids. So, as they say, my work here is done,” Candice Bergen wryly said before presenting the lead actress in a comedy series award.

She was referring to her Murphy Brown character being attacked by then-Vice President Dan Quayle for being a single mom.

Her subsequent “meow” got a big laugh and applause from the audience, including Jon Stewart.

For more on this year’s Emmy Awards, visit: https://apnews.com/hub/emmy-awards

Richard Gadd accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for "Baby Reindeer" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hiroyuki Sanada accepts the award for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Anna Sawai accepts the award for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for "Shogun" during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Hosts Eugene Levy, left, and Dan Levy speak during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)