Reds 5, Dodgers 0
Johnny Cueto recorded a career high-tying 12 strikeouts over six superb innings as host Cincinnati cruised past Los Angeles.
Joey Votto hit a two-run double and Jay Bruce homered for the Reds, who had lost the first two contests of the four-game series. Brandon Phillips and Billy Hamilton added run-scoring singles as Cincinnati snapped the Dodgers’ three-game winning streak.
Cueto (6-5) gave up three hits without issuing a walk while throwing 112 pitches to avenge a loss to Los Angeles on May 26. The right-hander retired the first nine batters he faced before allowing a leadoff single in the fourth inning by Dee Gordon, who promptly was picked off first base.
Votto broke a scoreless tie in the third inning, when he laced his double into the left-field corner, and scored on Phillips’ hit to shallow right. Bruce smacked a mammoth homer deep into the seats in right in the sixth off Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3), who allowed four runs and six hits in six innings while having his four-start winning streak halted.
Los Angeles loaded the bases in the seventh before former Dodger Jonathan Broxton came on and induced pinch hitter Hanley Ramirez to hit into an inning-ending double play. Hamilton delivered his run-scoring hit in the bottom of the inning to make it a five-run advantage.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Ramirez (shoulder) was scratched from the lineup shortly before the start of the contest. … The Reds placed RHP Carlos Marmol on the restricted list after he reportedly left Triple-A Louisville without permission. … Los Angeles LF Matt Kemp was ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the second inning.