Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto capped his first half with a win Sunday against the Pirates. The first-time All-Star allowed three runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out seven in six innings.
Cueto (10-6) opened with three scoreless innings before Neil Walker had an RBI groundout in the fourth inning. Josh Harrison came back with an RBI single in the fifth inning and Walker hit a solo home run leading off the sixth inning. But Cueto left with a 6-3 lead, which the bullpen held.
The right-hander won for the fifth time in seven starts. He hasn't allowed more than three earned runs in his last seven starts. Cueto is expected to pitch in the first series after the All-Star break against the Yankees.