Cueto (2-1) gave up the four hits in eight innings with one walk and nine strikeouts in 109 pitches. He is unbeaten in his last four starts and lowered his earned-run average to 1.65.
Rhodes mopped up by retiring the side in order in the bottom of the ninth.
Ramon Hernandez led Cincinnati with two hits and three RBI.
Brandon Phillips had two hits and one RBI, while Jay Bruce launched a solo homer with no outs in the second for the Reds, who have won three of four.
Andy LaRoche had two of Pittsburgh's four hits.
Losing pitcher Jeff Karstens (1-1) gave up five runs -- four earned -- and six hits in five innings.
The Pirates have been shut out in three of their last four games.
No Pittsburgh runner reached second base.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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