Cueto Blanks Bucs, Reds Start New Streak

Forget about the old streak- the Reds started a new one.

Johnny Cueto pitched eight scoreless innings while striking out eight, Arthur Rhodes worked a perfect ninth and the Cincinnati Reds continued their trend of dominant pitching, blanking the Pirates 5-0 in the finale of a weekend trio in Pittsburgh.

Ramon Hernandez had three RBI's and Jay Bruce launched his sixth home run of the year.

Cueto was masterful from the onset. The 22-year-old froze the Pirates all afternoon allowing only four hits and walking one. It was his third straight outing in which he pitched into or beyond the seventh inning.

The Reds are now 5-1 in get-away games.

Now, Joe's Dugout isn't the type to jump the rabbit early and make off the wall predictions that sound more like a home-town-homer talking than someone who likes to think he's intelligent when it comes to baseball.

But, write this down, tell your grandma and if you have some extra money lying around call a bookie and bet the barn because if the Reds continue to pitch the way they are, they will make the playoffs.

Tonight's Game:

Reds at Marlins. May, 4, 2009. 7:10 p.m. Dolphin Stadium.

Probable Pitchers:

Aarron Harang (2-3) v.s. Josh Johnson (2-0).

Note: Most games are televised on Fox Sports Net, channel 29 on Time Warner and all games are broadcasted via radio on 700 WLW A.M..