Francis allowed three runs on five hits and left his first start of the season after five innings with the Reds trailing 3-1. He struck out four and didn’t walk a batter, but the Reds were unable to overcome the early deficit.
San Diego starter Tyson Ross (5-3) threw seven solid innings to get the win. He allowed three hits while striking out eight and walking five.
The Padres got all the offense they would need in the second inning when Rene Rivera hit a two-run shot off Francis for his second home run of the year. Everth Cabrera (Sean Marshall) and former Red Yonder Alonso (Sam LeCure) both launched their first homers of the season off the Cincinnati bullpen. Chris Denorfia, another former Red, went 2 for 5.
Cincinnati third baseman Todd Frazier extended his career-high hitting streak to 14 games with an infield single in the sixth inning.
Cueto’s complete-game shutout in the opener was his third of the season, and he became the major-league pitcher in more than 100 years to begin a season with nine consecutive games of allowing two or fewer runs while pitching at least seven innings.
Philadelpia’s Harry Krause did it in 10 consecutive starts to open the 1909 season.
Cueto allowed three hits and two walks while striking out eight. He upped his record to 4-2 and lowered his ERA to 1.25.
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