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Hudson gets offensive support as Braves top Reds

May 16, 2012 - 2:48 AM Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Tim Hudson spun seven strong innings of two-run ball and the Braves defeated the Reds, 6-2, to close out a quick two-game series at Turner Field.

Hudson (2-1) scattered nine hits while walking two and striking out three. Martin Prado finished with three hits, an RBI and a run scored, Michael Bourn also smacked three hits and scored twice, and Brian McCann added a solo homer to help the Braves earn their fourth win in five tries.

Johnny Cueto (4-1) lasted just four innings, yielding a season-high six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and two walks to suffer his first loss of the year. Ryan Hanigan and Drew Stubbs each plated a run for the Reds, who had their two-game win streak halted.

"Any lead is nice for a starting pitcher," said Hudson about the run support he received. "Obviously coming into tonight, we thought runs were going to be tough to get. Cueto's been tough all year. We were able to get to him kind of early and catch him on a tough night."

McCann's sixth homer of the season gave the Braves a 1-0 lead in the second before they blew the game open with four runs in the third.

Prado and Chipper Jones stroked consecutive one-out RBI singles into right field to give Atlanta a 3-0 edge before Dan Uggla made it a four-run margin with a sacrifice fly to right.

After McCann walked, Jason Heyward laced a double into right-center field, plating Jones from second to provide Atlanta with a 5-0 lead.

The Braves added another run in the fourth when Bourn singled and moved to second on Cueto's errant pickoff attempt. Prado then singled to left fielder Chris Heisey, who misplayed the ball and allowed Bourn to score to extend the Braves' lead to 6-0.

"To just split is tough," remarked Heisey. "But at the same time they've got a good club. Hopefully we can get back on track tomorrow."

Cincinnati plated two in the seventh as Todd Frazier ripped a leadoff single and Hanigan quickly scored him with a double into the right-field corner.

Hudson induced groundouts from the next two batters before Stubbs singled into center field, scoring Hanigan from second to bring the Reds within 6-2, but Kris Medlen and Craig Kimbrel each worked a scoreless inning in relief to close the door on a comeback bid.

Game Notes

Cincinnati dropped to 6-2 in games started by Cueto this year..Hudson improved to 4-1 in seven lifetime meetings with the Reds.