HOUSTON – Johnny Cueto threw five scoreless innings in his return from the disabled list and Zack Cozart homered and drove in four runs to help the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-1 win over the Houston Astros on Monday night.
Pitching for the first time since straining the muscle below his right shoulder on June 28, Cueto (5-2) allowed five hits and struck out five with one walk for the win.
Cincinnati moved five games ahead of Washington for second NL wild card.
Cozart got things going for the Reds with his two-run shot to left field in the second inning. He added a two-RBI single in the fourth.
The return of Cueto, Cincinnati's opening day starter the past two seasons, could be a boost to the Reds as they make a push toward the postseason.
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