Reds' Cueto blows D-backs away

Turns out that the weather wasn't a concern at all today....but instead it was Mr. Johnny Cueto. Cueto did what most rookie pitchers do when they face the D-backs: make them look foolish. The Reds right-hander made his major debut today....and boy what a debut it was. He went seven innings, giving up only one hit and run (solo home run by Justin Upton in the sixth), and had 10 strikeouts and no walks as the Reds beat the D-backs 3-2 today.

For whatever reason, the Diamondbacks historically have really struggled against rookies, especially guys they have never faced.

How the D-backs kept it this close was quite amazing. Starter Doug Davis lasted only 3 2/3, surrending three runs (two earned) on four hits...but had six walks. The bullpen then came in and shut the Reds out the rest of the game. Yusmeiro Petit, Brandon Medders, Doug Slaten, and Juan Cruz only allowed one more hit the rest of the game, but it wasn't enough. Davis is notorious for starting the season off slow, so that combined with his health concerns are reason enough to give him a pass here...although he's not one to ever want a free pass.

It was a good thing that Upton hit that dinger in the sixth....shades of last year were seen here as they just could not get it going offensively.

So...the D-backs are out of Cincy going 1-2...should have been 2-1...but...

Micah Owings will get his first start of the year tomorrow against the Rockies at Coors Field. It's another early start: 1:00 PM local time.

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Randy Johnson will start tonight with the Sidewinders in what is expected to be the first of two starts in AAA. The D-backs are now reporting that the Unit will most likely then be called up on April 14 to take Doug Davis' spot in the rotation, as David will undergo thyroid cancer surgery on April 10.