Reds 6, Twins 0
Brandon Phillips homered as part of a four-run fourth inning and Johnny Cueto tossed seven shutout frames as the host Reds snapped a season-high four-game losing streak.
Cueto (9-3) gave up three hits with a season-high nine strikeouts on 118 pitches, and matched a career high by winning his fourth consecutive start.
Phillips hit a two-run shot in the fourth off Brian Duensing (1-3), who was making his first start of the season after 30 relief appearances.
After cruising through the first three innings, Duensing opened the fourth by walking Joey Votto, who scored on Phillips’ homer. Jay Bruce followed with a single and scored on Scott Rolen’s double.
Anthony Swarzak replaced Duensing and allowed Rolen to score the fourth run of the inning on Cueto’s sacrifice fly.
Leading 5-0, Cincinnati added another run in the bottom of the eighth against Matt Capps, who was making his first appearance since June 15 after being out with right shoulder inflammation.
Minnesota, which has lost seven of its last 10 games, struck out nine times and managed just three hits.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Twins’ Joe Mauer went 1-for-4 in his first start since June 17. Mauer, who had been out with a bruised right thigh, got the start at first base. …Sean Casey, Dan Driessen, and John Reilly were inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame prior to the game. …Duensing is the 10th pitcher to start for Minnesota this season. …Rolen had two hits and is 5-for-7 in the series.