Flushing, NY – Johnny Cueto gave up just one run and struck out eight to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-1 win over the New York Mets, completing a three-game sweep at Citi Field.
Cueto (8-3) allowed six hits and walked just one over seven frames to pick up his third win in as many starts.
"Johnny Cueto was lights out, he's been lights out all year," Brandon Phillips said. "I'm glad he was keeping the ball down and getting people out."
Phillips and Wilson Valdez both drove in a run and Zack Cozart collected three hits and scored once for the Reds, who have swept their last two series.
Sean Marshall stranded two runners in the eighth and tossed a perfect ninth to get his ninth save of the season.
Josh Thole had two hits and Ike Davis scored for the Mets, who have lost their last four at home.
Chris Young (1-1) was pegged with his first loss since June 14, 2009, after giving up three runs -- two earned -- on nine hits over seven innings.
The Mets took a 1-0 lead in the second. Davis, Daniel Murphy and Thole hit back-to-back-to-back to load the bases. Young then drew a two-out walk to plate Davis. Cueto was able to strike out Kirk Nieuwenhuis to end the threat.
The Reds scored three runs with two outs in the fifth to take the lead. Cozart doubled then scored when Valdez singled up the middle. Joey Votto was intentionally walked to put runners at first and second. Phillips followed with a single to right that scored Valdez easily. Mets right fielder Lucas Duda tried to throw Votto out at third on the play, but the ball bounced past third baseman David Wright and out of play, allowing Votto to score.
"We didn't have anyone on base and guys are always hollering 'two-out rally, two out rally' and that was the epitome of a two-out rally right there," Reds manager Dusty Baker said.
New York put two runners on with two outs in the eighth but Marshall was able to get Scott Hairston to ground out to end the threat.
"We had opportunities, and one of the things we've done is get big hits with two outs," Mets manager Terry Collins said. "But this series we didn't."
Game Notes
Phillips extended his hitting streak to seven games...Cueto didn't pick up his eighth win last season until August 11...Cincinnati has swept three series in 2012...Davis and David Wright extended their hitting streaks to eight games...The Mets are 18-10 in day games this season...New York has been swept twice in its last three series.
Game Notes
Phillips extended his hitting streak to seven games...Cueto didn't pick up his eighth win last season until August 11...Cincinnati has swept three series in 2012...Davis and David Wright extended their hitting streaks to eight games...The Mets are 18-10 in day games this season...New York has been swept twice in its last three series.
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