CINCINNATI, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- A three-run homer by Ramon Hernandez touched off an early Cincinnati surge Wednesday that led the Reds to a 7-2 win over the Chicago Cubs.
Cincinnati overcame the loss of starting pitcher Johnny Cueto early in the contest to win its second in a row.
Cueto was lifted after 3 2/3 shutout innings because of a pulled muscle in his chest. He reduced the lowest ERA in the majors to 2.31, but the victory went to reliever Sam LeCure (1-1).
LeCure gave up two runs in 2 1/3 innings to win for the third time in 54 appearances over two seasons with the Reds.
Hernandez hit his homer in the second inning. Juan Francisco produced a two-run single in the third and Edgar Renteria singled home Hernandez in the fourth to give Cincinnati a 6-0 lead.
Chris Heisey added a solo homer in the eighth for the Reds.
Casey Coleman (2-8) gave up six runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings to suffer the loss. Coleman has not won a game since May 19.
