NL roundup: Johnny Cueto's one-hitter overwhelms Pirates

PITTSBURGH — Johnny Cueto pitched a one-hitter for his first major league complete game, allowing only a third-inning single that went off shortstop Paul Janish's glove, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-0 on Tuesday night for their fourth consecutive win.

The Pirates' only hit was by Ronny Cedeno — and it nearly wasn't one. Janish managed to deflect Cedeno's one-out grounder into left field, barely missing making the play.

Chris Heisey backed up Cueto's superbly pitched game with his first three major league hits, including a pair of singles and a two-run homer in the eighth against Jeff Karstens.

Cueto (2-1) lasted as long as eight innings only once in his previous 67 major league starts, a 3-2 victory at Pittsburgh on May 3, 2009.

Charlie Morton (1-6) gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings for the Pirates.

METS 8, NATIONALS 6: At New York, pinch-hitter Chris Carter, just called up from the minors, delivered a tiebreaking double in his first at-bat for the Mets and New York scored six runs in the eighth inning.

Jason Bay and David Wright led the charge, lifting New York out of its recent offensive doldrums with three hits apiece. Four relievers combined for 4 2-3 scoreless innings as the Mets climbed out of a 6-1 hole following a poor start by Jonathon Niese. Raul Valdes (1-0) worked the eighth for his first major league win and Francisco Rodriguez got three quick outs for his fifth save.

Rookie first baseman Ike Davis turned in a spectacular catch of a game-ending foulout, tumbling into the New York dugout to make a dangerous grab for the second time in five days.

MARLINS 3, CUBS 2: At Chicago, Ricky Nolasco pitched seven sharp innings, and Cody Ross and Gaby Sanchez homered for Florida.

Nolasco (3-2), a former Cubs farmhand, allowed one run and five hits. Leo Nunez pitched a perfect ninth for his seventh save in nine opportunities.

Chicago lost for the seventh time in eight games and tied a season high with its fourth straight loss.

Cubs starter Randy Wells (3-2) pitched eight strong innings, allowing three runs and four hits. He struck out eight and walked one.

Highly touted Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro, who was called up Friday, committed his fourth error in two days and fifth of the season on pinch-hitter Wes Helm's grounder in the eighth inning.