“If you ain’t first, you’re last!” – Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

These days, Johnny Cueto is leading a charmed life. After all, prior to the Pittsburgh Pirates-Cincinnati Reds game Thursday night at Great American Ball Park, he had won four straight games with a blister on his pitching hand. Now that’s skill, folks!

In any event, Cueto, much like he did about two weeks ago against the same club and starting pitcher (Charlie Morton), made his job easy as he pitched six shutout innings, allowing Cincinnati to destroy Pittsburgh 8-2.

But Cueto didn’t do it just on the strength of his arm; there was plenty of offense, as well.

The first inning was all that the Reds would need, offensively. Morton had his troubles early as he allowed a pair of homers to Scott Rolen and Jay Bruce, allowing the Reds to put up four runs in the first.

It didn’t get any better for Morton or the Pirates as three more were scored in the second. Orlando Cabrera scored on a throwing error by Andy LaRoche then Drew stubbs lined a two-run single, bringing home Miguel Cairo nd Brandon Phillips. As you have probably assumed by now, Cincinnati cruised to the victory.

Cueto (5-1) earned the win as he pitched six innings, allowing just three hits, walking two while striking out nine. The relievers regressed a taste as Enerio Del Rosario and Mike Lincoln combined to allow two runs during two innings of work.

Cairo went 3-for-5 and scored twice while the trio of Rolen, Bruce and Jonny Gomes each had two hits, with Rolen and Bruce hitting a homer apiece.

Cincinnati remains at home and hosts the Houston Astros Friday night when Sam LeCure makes his Major League debut for the Reds while Wandy Rodriguez (2-6, 4.33 ERA) gets the nod for the Astros.