Rays 2 - 1 Reds
Final
  for this game

Cueto, Price square off at Great American Ball Park

Apr 11, 2014 - 1:43 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Johnny Cueto hopes for a little run support on Friday when the Cincinnati Reds begin a three-game interleague set with the Tampa Bay Rays at Great American Ball Park.

Cueto has been terrific through his first two starts, allowing just three runs, while striking out 17 over 14 innings. However, the Reds have managed just three runs for him in those two starts and Cueto is 0-1, despite a 1.93 ERA.

"I feel very good. I hope that I can continue to pitch like that," Cueto said.

Cueto, who made just 11 starts a year ago because of injuries, should stay on track Friday, as he is 4-0 with a 3.02 ERA in eight career interleague starts at home.

Cincinnati may have trouble scoring runs once again, though, as it faces former American League Cy Young Award winner, David Price, who is 1-0 this season with a 4.05 ERA.

After beating Toronto on Opening Day Price was banged around a bit by Texas on Saturday, as he allowed four runs and nine hits in six innings. He also struck out six and walked a batter but did not factor in the decision of his team's 5-4 win.

"I was healthy last time; I just didn't feel very good," said Price, who had been fighting a fever.

These two aces squared off back on June 28, 2011, in Tampa's only win in this nine-game series. Each pitcher lasted 7 2/3 innings in the Rays' 4-3 win that day, but neither received a decision.

Price, though, struck out 13 batters in that game.

"(Joey) Votto, (Jay) Bruce, Brandon Phillips," Price said. "I don't know how people overlook Brandon Phillips. He's a good hitter, he drives in a ton of runs, he's got power to all fields. Billy Hamilton, he's breaking through right now. If you walk the guy you it's essentially a triple. So their lineup's tough."

Price will be trying to help Tampa Bay get itself back on track after losing two of three to Kansas City. The Rays have now lost three of their last four and have fallen to 5-5 on the year.

The Reds, meanwhile, salvaged the finale of their three-game set with the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday. The win, though, was only the second in the last seven games for the Reds, who have lost six of nine games to start the season.






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