Cueto, Reds earn landmark win for Baker

Cincinnati, OH – Johnny Cueto struck out nine in seven strong 1 victory over the Rockies and helping manager Dusty Baker pick up a landmark win.

Cueto (8-5) allowed only three hits and two walks -- most of which came in the fifth inning, when he escaped a bases-loaded situation. But that was the only jam Cueto faced Thursday.

The right-hander lowered his earned run average to 1.94, which leads the National League, and picked up the win after the Cincinnati bullpen managed to hang on to the lead.

Aroldis Chapman worked out of a dangerous situation in the eighth, and Francisco Cordero gave up a home run to Seth Smith in the ninth. But Cordero closed out the game to secure Baker's 300th victory with the Reds. Baker is in his fourth season with the club and has an overall record of 300-304.

Jay Bruce drove in a run and scored during the first inning for Cincinnati, which split the four-game series.