Cueto, bullpen lead Reds to 1-0 win

July 2, 2009

CINCINNATI Right-hander Johnny Cueto settled in after two wild innings on Wednesday night, and Joey Votto singled home a sixth-inning run that sent the Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 victory over the slumping Diamondbacks.

Arizona has lost nine of 11 due largely to an offense that’s among the NL’s worst. The Diamondbacks managed only an infield hit during six innings against Cueto (8-4) and a bunt single off the bullpen.

Jon Garland (4-8) pitched six solid innings but couldn’t break the longest losing streak of his career. The right-hander hasn’t won since May 19, going 0-6 with a pair of no-decisions. Blame Arizona’s offense, which has scored three or fewer runs in five of those games.

The Diamondbacks had their best chance in the seventh, when Gerardo Parra bunted for Arizona’s second hit and Arthur Rhodes loaded the bases with two outs on a pair of walks. Felipe Lopez flied out to end the threat.

Francisco Cordero pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save in 20 chances, completing Cincinnati’s seventh shutout of the season.

save or share on: