Reds-Nationals: Cincinnati Starts Road Trip With a Win

Johnny Cueto improved to 6-3 last night, adding validity to the argument that he is the ace of the Reds' pitching staff. He allowed four hits and a run in seven innings while walking four and striking out five.

Dusty Baker said, "Johnny wasn't real sharp tonight, but he was sharp when he needed to be sharp."

The Reds' skipper was mostly referring to the first inning.

Cueto gave up a lead-off single to Christian Guzman, but looked like he was out of the woods when Nick Johnson grounded into a double play thanks to a diving stop by Alex Gonzalez. Cueto then loaded the bases by surrendering a single to Ryan Zimmerman, then walked Elijah Dukes and Adam Dunn. Willie Harris struck out to end the inning.

A solo homerun in the fourth inning by Dukes accounted for the only run off of Cueto.

The Reds got on the board in the second when Ryan Hanigan's two-out hit scored Jay Bruce. The big hit for Cincinnati came in the fifth with the game tied. Brandon Phillips' two-out, two-run double put his team ahead to stay.

With Joey Votto on the disabled list and Jay Bruce struggling at the plate, Brandon Phillips has provided the Reds with the production and leadership that has kept them in contention.

In the eighth, Washington began to battle back. Arthur Rhodes gave up a homerun to Guzman. The Nationals had the tying run in scoring position when David Weathers struck out Dukes. Francisco Cordero pitched a perfect ninth for his 15th save in as many chances.

Aaron Harang (5-6) will take the mound for the Reds in the second game of the series tonight. He will be opposed by Shairon Martis (5-1).

Other notes...

Willy Taveras returned to the starting lineup and was hitless in five at-bats. He did make a great diving catch in centerfield.

Joey Votto has been working out and feeling better. He is eligible to come off of the disabled list on Sunday.