Reds 4, Marlins 0: Johnny Cueto pitched seven strong innings as Cincinnati won its season opener, handing visiting Miami its second consecutive loss.

Cincinnati scored single runs in the first and sixth innings, which was more than enough for Cueto. The right-hander allowed just three hits with two walks and four strikeouts.

No-hit for six innings in their season-opening loss Wednesday to St. Louis, the Marlins again struggled offensively. With runners on first and second and one out in the sixth, Cueto struck out Hanley Ramirez and Jose Reyes was caught stealing to end the inning.

The Reds punched across a run in the bottom of the first. Zack Cozart reached on a fielder’s choice and later scored on Jay Bruce’s sacrifice fly to center. But Miami starter Mark Buehrle wiggled out of further trouble, leaving runners stranded at second and third.

Ryan Ludwick, one of several big offseason acquisitions the Reds hope will push them to the NL Central title, drove home Scott Rolen with a one-out double to right-center in the sixth. Cozart finished 2-for-4 with a triple.

The Reds extended their lead in the eighth. Bruce launched a home run to center leading off the inning, and pinch-hitter Chris Heisey drove in Drew Stubbs with a two-out double to center.

Buehrle gave up seven hits and two runs in six innings in his Miami debut, walking two and striking out five.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Cueto threw 61 of his 95 pitches for strikes, and didn’t limit his good work to the mound, finishing with a single and a sacrifice in two plate appearances. … Miami left fielder Logan Morrison, who missed most of spring training with right knee inflammation, did not start after playing in Wednesday night’s opener. … The three-game series resumes Saturday.