Reds ace Johnny Cueto's goal of reaching 20 victories was still alive, but that was secondary to just having a good start.

A loser of three straight starts coming in, Cueto pitched six scoreless innings for his 18th victory as the Reds earned a 5-3 win for a series sweep over the Cubs.

"I was more relaxed," Cueto said through an interpreter. "I was concentrating more today and used the fastball more today. I felt good, like always. I always feel good."

Cincinnati became the first team in baseball to clinch a Wild Card playoff berth and lowered its magic number to clinch the National League Central to two after the Cardinals swept the Astros.