Johnny Cueto has been enjoying a solid start to his 2014 season despite the Cincinnati Reds dealing with an inconsistent record. The team has been unable to get their bats moving and that was on display in their first game against the San Diego Padres. While the Reds outhit the Padres, 7-3, they went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. This lack of offense has caused the Reds to losing four of their last six while only tallying 17 runs and batting .200 in that stretch.
After Wednesday's game was postponed, the Reds are hopeful that the extra day off and Cueto can help get the team winning again. The right-hander has not received any run support recently which is a shame for his 1.43 ERA which is going to waste. In each of his losses this season, the Reds did not score a single run and his last three no-decisions featured just six runs altogether. Cueto is dominating on the mound, becoming the first pitcher this season to have at least seven innings and two or fewer runs allowed in his first eight starts. He did this feat 11 times last year while dealing with injuries. Not to mention his 68 strikeouts on the year.
Cueto's career against the Padres has been inconsistent. The pitcher is 2-2 with a 6.00 ERA in five starts against the National League team. It is his highest ERA against any team that he has faced more than once. Chase Headley is 7 for 15 against Cueto. He was the hero in the first game after he homered off Aroldis Champman in the ninth innings.
San Diego will send Ian Kennedy to the mound. He is 2-4 with a 3.12 ERA on the season. He fared well in his last start against the Miami Marlins where he struke out 12 while not getting the decision while giving up just one runs and four hits over seven innings. Against the Reds he is 3-0 with a 1.53 ERA. Todd Frazier is 2 of 7 off Kennedy in his career, but is currently in the middle of a 12-game win streak and batting .304.
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