Reds 6, Cubs 0: Jack Hannahan hit a three-run homer and Mike Leake was strong into the sixth inning as host Cincinnati avoided a three-game sweep against Chicago.

Devin Mesoraco added a solo blast and Xavier Paul and Zack Cozart each recorded an RBI groundout as the Reds pulled to within 2 1/2 games of the St. Louis Cardinals for first place in the National League Central. Leake (13-6) struck out six and scattered four hits and four walks through 5 2/3 innings to reach a career high in wins.

Jeff Samardzija (8-12) was knocked around for six runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings for the Cubs. The right-hander has surrendered at least five earned runs in each of his last three turns.

Jay Bruce singled to lead off the second and Todd Frazier followed with a double before back-to-back groundouts from Paul and Cozart gave Cincinnati a 2-0 edge. Mesoraco made it a three-run gap in the fourth, when he blasted a slider from Samardzija into the second deck in left.

Hannahan came on as a pinch hitter with runners at the corners in the sixth and belted a 3-2 slider out to right to put the game away.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Leake’s previous career high was 12 wins in 2011. The 25-year-old has won back-to-back starts for the first time since July 19 and 24. … Cincinnati RHP Johnny Cueto (right lat strain) threw 60 pitches to hitters before the game. How he responds Thursday will determine the next step in his rehab. … The Cubs will get another chance to influence the race in the NL Central when they continue their road trip with a four-game series at Pittsburgh on Thursday. The Reds get Thursday off before heading to Milwaukee.