Reds top Bucs for best mark since ’06

Associated Press

cincinnati

Johnny Cueto wasn’t going to let a blister sidetrack the Cincinnati Reds’ best run in four years.

Cueto threw six shutout innings despite a blister on his pitching hand Thursday night, and Scott Rolen hit a three-run homer during an early splurge off Charlie Morton — the major leagues’ leader in losses — for an 8-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The NL Central leaders have won 21 of their last 30 games, moving a season-high eight over .500 at 28-20.

Cincinnati hasn’t been that well off since 2006, also was the last time they were in first place so deep into a season.

Their main concern was Cueto (5-1), who had to leave a win in Cleveland last Saturday after six innings because of a blister on his right index finger.

Given a big early lead, he could afford to ease through six shutout innings. He gave up three hits and struck out a season-high nine while winning his fourth straight start.

“We took him out primarily as a precaution with the blister,” manager Dusty Baker said. “They’ve been treating it. They’ve been putting all kinds of stuff on it.

“It bothered him some on his slider, so he didn’t throw too many sliders. He’ll be ready and 100 percent for his next start.”

Cincinnati’s offense made it easy for him.

The Reds batted around in each of the first two innings for seven runs off Morton (1-9), who had his second-shortest start of the season.

The first two innings lasted 59 minutes, with Morton throwing 68 pitches. With an ERA of 9.35, his job is in jeopardy.

The Reds took three of four from the Pirates, who had no chance after Morton had another meltdown.