Torrid Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto became the first major league pitcher in 101 years to start the season with nine consecutive games of seven or more innings and two or fewer runs allowed with another brilliant performance Thursday afternoon against visiting San Diego.
Cueto hurled a complete-game shutout, giving up three singles, walking two and fanning eight along the way. He has just four wins in six decisions, but his 1.25 ERA is closing in on the 1.12 mark achieved by Cardinals Hall of Famer Bob Gibson in 1968.
His next potential victim is Washington early next week. He was slated to pitch Monday, but that would put him only on three day's rest.