Reds right-hander Johnny Cueto made his first start in nine days on Friday, and showed a little rust in the 2-1 loss to the Mets. Cueto gave up two runs on just two hits, while striking out six. He needed 112 pitches to get through six innings, as he matched his season-high by issuing three walks.
Cueto (4-5) gave up a first-inning home run to leadoff man Curtis Granderson, and then walked three straight batters, forcing in a run in the fifth.
"You know, things happen," Cueto said via translator Tomas Vera, per MLB.com. "I was too careful during [the fifth inning]. I didn't want to leave the ball over the middle, I was trying to trick them. I didn't want them to get a home run or anything or a big hit that would cost me more than inning."
He has now given up nine earned runs over his last three starts. His season ERA now sits at 2.98.