Johnny Cueto left in the fourth inning with an injury before Ramon Hernandez hit a three-run homer as the Cincinnati Reds picked up their ace with a 7-2 victory over the visiting Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

Juan Francisco added a two-run single and Chris Heisey hit his 16th homer for the Reds, who pulled back within three games of .500 at 73-76.

Cueto, who leads the majors with a 2.31 ERA, was removed because of a strained right lat muscle. The righthander retired the leadoff hitter in the fourth but came up rubbing his arm, prompting a visit from the trainer.

Cueto would stay in for one more batter before being replaced by righthander Sam LeCure.

Chicago's Casey Coleman (2-8) lasted only 3 2/3 innings as well, but that was performance-based. The righthander was touched for six runs on six hits.

Hernandez provided the big blow in the second, getting an 88 mph fastball from Coleman and belting it deep into the seats in left-center field for his 12th homer.

LeCure (1-1) went 2 1/3 innings to earn the win.