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Cueto attempts to pitch Reds to sweep at Citi Field

Jun 17, 2012 - 10:55 AM (Sports Network) - Coming off his second complete game of the season, Johnny Cueto aims to help the Reds accomplish something they haven't done since 2001 ... sweep a road series against the New York Mets.

Cueto went the distance for the sixth time in his career on Tuesday, when he limited the Indians to six hits and a run while fanning seven without issuing a walk. The only run he allowed was an RBI single to Jason Kipnis in the opening inning. Cueto gave up just four singles the rest of the way.

The righty, who has won his last two starts, will try this afternoon to beat the Mets for the first time. Cueto is 0-3 with a 6.58 ERA in five games when facing them.

The Reds won, 7-3, on Friday and last night came up with a 4-1 triumph thanks to eight solid innings from Homer Bailey.

A victory this afternoon would give Cincinnati its first three-game sweep in Flushing since April 13-15, 2001 at Shea Stadium. The last time the Reds swept the Mets in any set of at least three contests came April 4-7, 2005.

Last night, the NL Central leaders picked up their fifth straight victory, which is one off a season-best. Bailey (5-4) gave up six hits along with one walk and three strikeouts to win for the first time in his past three starts.

"I don't know if it's physical effort, but you try to get locked in a little bit more, try to make good pitches, but try not to do too much," Bailey said.

Jay Bruce hit a three-run home run and scored twice, while Ryan Ludwick drove in the other run.

David Wright drove in the only run of the game for the Mets, who have dropped five of their past eight games. Jon Niese (4-3) went seven innings and gave up four runs on six hits with a walk and seven strikeouts.

"I think we had some pretty good at-bats today, a lot of line outs, a lot of fly outs to the wall," Mets first baseman Ike Davis said. "Little bit to the left, a little bit to the right, we would've had a lot more runs on the board."

Chris Young gets the ball today for the Mets. The righty makes his third start of the season and is coming off his first win, Tuesday, when he limited the Rays to a pair of runs over 5 2/3 innings. This will mark his third career start against the Reds, and he's yet to record a decision in the previous matchups.

New York and Cincinnati split a pair of games at Citi Field this season from May 16-17.