HOUSTON -- When the good times are rolling such as they've been for the Reds, no one wants to hop off the train. Least of all, second baseman Jonathan India. 

It was India's two-run home run in the top of the first inning that set the tone towards knocking off the defending World Series champions. The Reds' 10-3 win over the Astros extended their winning streak to seven games and 10 of their last 12. Now a game over .500 at 36-35, the club remains a half-game behind the first-place Brewers in the National League Central.

"I saw it early in Spring Training. I knew something special was going to happen this year," India said. "Now we’re just playing with momentum and rolling. We’re a very good team. People are starting to realize that, I think. We have a lot more to show though.”

Cincinnati lost 100 games in 2022 and was supposed to be mired in a rebuilding year in '23. But an exciting surge combined with a weaker division has made a playoff bid more than realistic. Weeks ago, there seemed at least a chance that India might miss out.

Ahead of Elly De La Cruz's big league promotion June 6, speculation had India possibly being forced to switch to third base, first base or left field -- or possibly even be traded -- to make room on the field for De La Cruz at shortstop and Matt McLain's subsequent shift to second base.

India has moved nowhere while being a lineup producer and emotional team leader. De La Cruz has played mostly third base since his call-up, and McLain has often stayed at shortstop. If India isn't at second base in a game, he's been the designated hitter.

"They trusted me where I’m at," India said. "I’ve been playing good defense. I’ve worked very hard to stay at second base. I think they see that. I appreciate that they see that in me, that I can still be the second baseman for them and do everything that I can. I’m open to changing to some other infield positions as well but right now, I’m the second baseman of the Reds and that feels really nice.”

Against Astros starter Brandon Bielak's first-pitch slider, India quickly made it a 2-0 game in the first inning with a high drive to left field that tied him for the team high with nine homers. 

“We’re playing really, really well. I think they see that and don’t want to break it up," India said of his staying at his position. "It’s just a special team, all the way around, and we’re missing guys. It’s going to be really special when everyone comes back.”

As a return from the injured list looms for multiple players -- including outfielders Jake Fraley and Wil Myers -- Will Benson is doing all he can to keep his roster spot. 

Benson reached safely five times on Saturday, including three hits. In his last 17 games since his May 26 recall from Triple-A Louisville, when Myers went on the IL, the lefty hitter is batting .383 with each of his last eight starts in right field.

Over Benson's first two big league stints this season, he was 1-for-25 in 10 games.

"I’m just getting opportunities, and thankfully I’m helping the team cash in," Benson said.

In the top of the fourth inning, Benson led off with a drive to left-center field. Jake Meyers couldn't make the diving catch on the warning track, enabling Benson to motor to third base with a triple. He scored on Curt Casali's one-out safety squeeze bunt. 

Benson added a two-out, two-run single in the top of the fifth inning against Phil Maton to make it a 5-1 game. 

"He’s playing with a lot of belief or confidence for sure, and that goes a long way," Reds manager David Bell said. "And he should. He’s worked really hard at it. He’s got a great idea at the plate as far as the strike zone. As his confidence grows, he’s getting more aggressive at the plate. He’s trusting himself. He’s got a great ability to get on base, use his speed.

"The hit he had to drive in two runs, I thought was the biggest hit of the day."

Reds starter Hunter Greene gave his team a quality start with two earned runs and five hits allowed over six innings with four walks and three strikeouts. Greene is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA over his last four starts.

"We’re showing the world right now who we are, how we play and the brand we play," India said. "All I can say is we’re going to keep it going. I know we will.”