Tuesday's MLB game of the day: Reds' Johnny Cueto outduels Max Scherzer

WASHINGTON – In a matchup against Max Scherzer and the first-place Washington Nationals, Johnny Cueto lifted his game to another level — perhaps that of an All-Star.

Cueto pitched a two-hitter with 11 strikeouts, Joey Votto homered and drove in three runs and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Nationals 5-0 Tuesday night.

The potential pitching duel between Cueto and Scherzer never materialized. Cueto (6-5) kept up his end, retiring the final 15 batters in one of the best performances of his career.

"He was making a statement, man," catcher Brayan Pena said. "He was showing everybody that he's one of the best pitchers in the National League and the big leagues in general. The fact that he came here, against a great pitcher and a great team, throwing a complete-game shutout is saying something."

Cueto is among the candidates vying to earn a spot on the All-Star roster via a final vote from the fans.

"I would love to pitch in the All-Star Game. I want to do it," Cueto said through an interpreter. "It's an All-Star Game in Cincinnati, with my fans in my house with my team."

Scherzer already has a spot on the All-Star roster, but Cueto was clearly the better pitcher on this night.

Scherzer (9-7) gave up five runs and seven hits in 4⅔ innings, his shortest outing in more than a year. The five runs were more than the righthander allowed in his previous four games combined, a stretch that included a no-hitter and a one-hitter.

"I've had stinkers before. It's just part of the deal," Scherzer said. "I don't get fazed by them anymore."