Games 15 and 16: Reds Right Back Where They Began

The Reds split the final two contests of the four game series with the Brewers, but still took the series 3-1. On Wednesday night, Johnny Cueto registered his first win of the season with a spectacular pitching performance. One night after the two teams combined for 26 runs, Cueto shut down the Brewers' bats by going 8 innings, striking out 8, and giving up only one run. The game went to the ninth inning tied, and Billy Hamilton score the go-ahead run on a Francisco Rodriguez wild pitch. Aroldis Chapman would come in to nail down his fourth save of the season. 

On Thursday's afternoon finale, Kyle Lohse sealed the deal for his first win of the season. The only blemish was a two-run home run he gave up to Marlon Byrd (his first of the year). Lohse threw seven innings while giving up two runs in the win. His opponent, Homer Bailey, had a decent start also, just his second since opening the season on the DL. Homer's final line was 5.2 innings, seven hits, and two earned. He drops to 0-2 on the season. Kevin Gregg took the loss when he gave up a single to Jean Segura in the eighth inning that plated Logan Schafer. The Brewers won 4-2, and Francisco Rodrigez secured his 350th save of his career. 

The Reds return home where they will face Chicago. The Cubs took two of three last week from the Reds, but will send out Jon Lester for the opener who had a rough go the last time these two teams met. Coming off his phenomenal performance against the Cardinals on Sunday Night Baseball, Mike Leake will oppose him. 

-Dug

@chansm1th