Giants' Johnny Cueto: Pitches just five ineffective innings in loss to Nationals

Cueto (13-3) suffered only his third loss of the year Thursday after allowing three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings against Washington.

Analysis:

Cueto's line doesn't look pretty, but he was the victim of a lot of dink-and-doink singles. In fact, he only gave up one extra-base hit (a double to Ryan Zimmerman) Thursday. The 30-year-old righty took the loss in the All-Star game and has carried that into his second half, opening with an 0-2 record in three starts. Before these two losses, though, Cueto hadn't suffered a defeat since way back on April 21. He'll get a ripe opportunity to bounce back Wednesday against the Phillies.