Cueto and Bruce lead Reds to 6-0 win over the Astros

After a disappointing opening game of the series that saw Mike Leake struggle once again, the Reds got exactly what they needed from their ace Johnny Cueto. Cueto turned in seven shut out innings, and Jay Bruice's bat did the damage, and the Reds stopped their losing skid at 2 and give themselves a chance to win their third series in a row tomorrow.

WHY WE WON

Cueto was not as efficient with his pitch count today, needing 120 pitches to get through 7 innings, but he did what is most important for a picther: did not give up any runs. He gave up 5 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 3. Cueto kept battling, and the offense tacked on runs to put the Astros away.

TURNING POINT

In the bottom of the third, Jay Bruce doubled off the left field wall scoring Cozart and Votto to make the score 4-0 Reds. Cueto desperately needed a scoreless top of the 4th to keep the momentum in the home dug out. Unfortunately, the Astros led off the top of the 4th with two duck snort singles, one to center and one to right. Cueto found himself in a jam, but got out of it thanks to a nifty double play turned by Cozart and Phillips. The ball was hit in the hole between short and third, Cozart ranged to his right, and Phillips made an ultra quick turn to get the first two outs of the inning. The next batter grounded out to Rolen, and that was all she wrote.

REDS PLAYER OF THE GAME

Jay Bruce went 2-3, with a double, a home run and 4 RBI. He also showed off the cannon when he doubled off an Atrsos runner at first base on a line drive.

UP NEXT

The Reds (10-11) look to get back to .500 and win their third series in a row tomorrow.  Mat Latos (1-2, 5.64 ERA) will hopefully build on his stellar outing last time on the mound when he went 7 innings and did not surrender a run for his first win as a Red. The Astros send Jordan Lyles (NR) against him. Lyles was called up from AAA to make the start.

Today's win moves the Reds into sole possession of second place in the NL Central , 4 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals (14-7).