Cueto Dominates Twins, Cincinnati Reds Win 2-1

Jul 1, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher

throws against the Minnesota Twins in the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

W: Cueto (5-5, 2.84)

L: May (4-7, 4.37)

SV: Chapman, A (16)

Unlike the first two games in this series against the Minnesota Twins, today’s game turned out to be a pitcher’s duel that saw Johnny Cueto do Johnny Cueto things and dominate the Twins. Cueto went eight innings, and only allowed one run off of four hits and one walk while striking out eight batters. After taking a close loss to the New York Mets in his last outing, Cueto was able to pick up his fifth win today, improving his record to 5-5 and lowering his ERA to 2.84.

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The Reds’ offense was only able to collect six hits and three walks, but it was enough to outscore the Twins by one run. The first scoring opportunity came in the second inning when Jay Bruce, Brayan Pena and Marlon Byrd all singled, loading the bases with no outs. But much like the rest of the 2015 season, the Reds left the runners stranded and weren’t able to bring in any runs.

The Reds came back strong in the next inning, beginning with a leadoff double by Brandon Phillips. Phillips moved over to third base on a wild pitch by Twins starter Trevor May, and was driven home by a sacrifice fly from Joey Votto, giving the Reds their first run of the game.

The Reds were able to score again in the fifth inning after May issued walks to Billy Hamilton and Phillips.  With two on and one out, May walked Joey Votto, after which Twins catcher Chris Herrmann threw to third base in an odd attempt to throw out Hamilton (Hamilton would have been safe anyway since Votto walked). Herrmann airmailed the ball into left field, allowing Hamilton to come home and give the Reds their second run.

After eight outstanding innings of work from Cueto, Aroldis Chapman came in to close it out for the Reds, getting one strikeout and allowing no runners to reach base, earning his 16th save of their year, and giving the Cincinnati Reds a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Up Next: The Cincinnati Reds will have Thursday off but will return to Great American Ballpark on Friday when they take on the Milwaukee Brewers with Mike Fiers facing off against Michael Lorenzen at 7:10 pm EST.

Next: Five players the Reds should shop before the trade deadline