The Reds showed some aggressiveness early on in the game, trying to get on the board early against Arizona rookie phenom Trevor Bauer. After a Drew Stubbs walk to start the game, Zach Cozart would reach on an error by shortstop Stephen Drew. With the two base runners aboard, the Reds pulled a double steal to put runners on third and second early on in the game. Stubbs would score on a wild pitch by Bauer, putting the Reds up 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning.

They would add three runs in the bottom of the third inning off of a three-run home run by Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick, extending the lead to 4-0.

Fortunately that would be the only offense Cincinnati would need on the evening, as the D-backs would strand 12 runners on base on the evening, going 0-6 with runners in scoring position. The D-backs out-hit the home team with eight hits to Cincinnati’s five, but that wouldn’t matter in the end.

Johnny Cueto would go six strong innings for the reds, allowing only four hits and no runs through six innings.

Bauer, pitching in his first game in almost two weeks, would allow four runs (three earned), off one hit, and five walks. Positive note for the D-backs is that the Arizona bullpen combined to provide six shutout innings of relief.

Arizona starter Ian Kennedy will take the mound tomorrow in the rubber match of the series.