REDS WIN! TAKE 3 OF 4 FROM THE PIRATES

The Reds provided Johnny Cueto with a 7-run cushion after 2 innings as Cincinnati beat the Pirates tonight, 8-2. 

Cueto was magnificent in his 6.0 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks while fanning a season-high 9 batters.  He’s now earned the winning decision in each of his last 4 starts and in 5 of his last 6.

Scott Rolen and Jay Bruce belted back-to-back homers in the 1st inning off Pirates starter Charlie Morton.  For Rolen, the home run snapped an 0-for-11 drought.  He finished the night 2-for-4 with 3 RBI.  Bruce also had 2 hits. 

For the second straight night, Miguel Cairo filled in at first base for Joey Votto (stiff neck) and produced.  He went 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored. 

With tonight’s victory, the Reds have now won 9 of 13 and 21 of 30.  At 28-20, Cincinnati is now 8 games over .500 for the first time since 6/30/06.

Quote Boat

“He came out fine tonight.” – Dusty on Cueto’s previous blister problem.

“It’s a long year.  Everybody doesn’t start off hot.  We weren’t worried about him.  He was hitting the ball hard and not getting much to show for it.” - Dusty on Jay Bruce’s slow start at the beginning of the season

“We gotta keep him healthy.  We gotta keep him strong.” - Dusty on Scott Rolen

“It’s always nice when your guys that don’t play that much come in and contribute.” - Dusty