On this day, there were no chants of “Cue-To”, there was no dropping of the ball, there was no home run to “rattle” him. It was the Cueto that the Pirates feared prior to his injury-ridden season last year as he went the distance in a three-hit shutout of the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.
The Pirates didn’t record more than one baserunner in any inning as Cueto only allowed hits to Andrew McCutchen, Jordy Mercer and an infield single to Tony Sanchez while striking out 12 — a career best for the righty — and not allowing a walk.
Francisco Liriano kept the Pirates in the game for the most part after allowing Billy Hamilton to lead-off the game with a walk, steal second, and score on back-to-back wild pitches.
It would be all the Reds could get until striking the deciding blow against Liriano in the seventh. Cueto, who had a terrible time at the plate up to that point, singled on a half-swing up the middle. It would allow Joey Votto the chance to bat later in the inning where he sent a Liriano 0-1 fastball into the seats for the decisive blow.
The Reds would add another insurance run against Stolmy Pimentel in the eighth to complete the scoring.
Final Score: Reds 4, Pirates 0.
This is the first series victory for the Reds this season while the Pirates suffered their second series defeat in-a-row and a 3-6 road trip.
Starter’s Lines
Liriano (L, 0-3): 7 IN, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K’s, 1 HR, 2 WP. 95 Pitches (61 Strikes).
Cueto (W, 1-2): CG, 3 H, 12 K’s. 107 Pitches (71 Strikes).
The Bucs will begin an eight-game homestand starting tomorrow night against the Milwaukee Brewers. First pitch is set for 7:05.
Tomorrow’s Starters
(RHP) Edinson Volquez (PIT): 0-0, 1.29 ERA
(RHP) Yoviani Gallardo (MIL): 2-0, 0.96 ERA
Follow @TBerardi_OVA
(Photo Credit: R. Yeatts/Getty Images)
