Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Justin Masterson came into Wednesday's game with the Reds as the pitcher with the least run support in the American League.

After his last start against the Pirates, a 2-0 win, the Indians' top starter told reporters he needed to make sure nobody scores. Turns out, he was serious.

While he didn't quite complete a shutout, Masterson (4-6) allowed one or fewer runs for the third consecutive start in a brilliant performance, and the Indians' offense finally came alive for him in a 8-1 rout of the Cincinnati Reds to sweep an intrastate series.

The Pirates were the worst offense in the majors, but the Cincinnati Reds came in boasting one of the league's top run-producing lineups, including MVP- caliber hitter Joey Votto.

Masterson, the Indians' Opening Day starter after a breakout 2011 season, had a 5.14 ERA heading into June. After allowing an unearned run and only three hits in his fourth career complete game, it's down to a more respectable 3.98. He struck out nine and didn't walk a batter for the third time in his last five starts.

Asdrubal Cabrera and Johnny Damon homered in a five-run fourth, and Lonnie Chisenhall added a three-run double for the Indians, who returned the favor to the Reds after being swept last week in Cincinnati.

Bronson Arroyo (3-5) struggled from the outset, tossing 90 pitches in four mediocre innings while allowing five runs and eight hits. The Reds have now lost seven straight in Cleveland and split the season series with the Indians.

The Sports Network