Johnny Cueto had a steady, if not spectacular, start for the Reds on Friday, but he wasn't involved in the decision, as it took extra innings for Cincinnati to prevail over the Cubs.
Cueto went seven innings, allowing four runs on seven hits. He did strike out nine batters to remain among the top 10 in strikeouts in the NL.
"He battled his tail off, as always," Reds manager Bryan Price said, per MLB.com. "He doesn't shy away from pitching in close games at all."
The Reds' ace has gone at least seven innings in four of his last five starts, but the four runs were the most he's allowed since a May 9 victory over the White Sox.