Johnny Cueto is slowly becoming a Pirate killer in recent weeks. After shining in a 4-0 win last week – fanning 12 batters in the process – the Cincinnati Reds’ ace went the distance once again facing the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He wasn’t as sharp as in his previous outing, but the outcome ended up being the same. Cueto struck out four, walked three and allowed only one run as Cincinnati topped Pittsburgh by a 4-1 score at PNC Park.
The Reds weren’t able to muster a whole lot of offense but it’s not like Cueto needed it. The right-hander was sharp, dominated the Bucs’ lineup early and often and maintained them scoreless until the latter innings. In fact, Cincinnati scored the first run on the seventh when Jay Bruce scored on a double from Brayan Pena. The play was challenged and the call ended up being overturned to put the Reds on the board.
A double from Zack Cozart scored another run to extend Cincinnati’s lead to two runs. Billy Hamilton crossed home plate in the eight thanks to another RBI from Bruce and Cueto drove a run of his own with a single to score Pena. The Reds had a four-run cushion going into the ninth and Cueto seemed determined to get his second shutout of the year against the Pittsburgh.
Reigning NL MVP Andrew McCutchen had other plans and his solo homer in the bottom of the ninth put Pittsburgh on the board. Cueto didn’t rattle, retired the side and got his second consecutive complete game in what has been a spectacular start to the season for the righty.
Sadly, the team as a whole hasn’t been able to match Cueto’s performance. If the offense picks it up, there’s no question that the Reds will be battling for a playoff spot in the National League sooner than later.