Giants’ Cueto beats Pirates in return from elbow surgery

Johnny Cueto made a masterful return to the mound after a 13-month absence, and the San Francisco Giants narrowly avoided a second straight bullpen meltdown Tuesday night in a 5-4 victory over the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Stephen Vogt had a two-run single and a two-run home run to account for nearly all the San Francisco offense, helping the Giants end a two-game losing streak. Cueto (1-0), pitching in the majors for the first time since July 28, 2018, demonstrated he's fully recovered from Tommy John surgery by firing five shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk.