The Associated Press

CLEVELAND - Bronson Arroyo pitched worse and somehow got much better results.

The Cincinnati Reds' right-hander bounced back from the worst start of his career and Adam Dunn hit a three-run homer in a 9-5 win over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

Arroyo (5-7) struck out six and gave up two runs over six innings for the Reds, who took five of six from their interleague and intrastate rivals this season.

The Indians went 6-12 against NL teams and have lost eight of their last 12 overall. Monday, they go to Chicago to open an eight-game trip - all against AL Central opponents.

It will be the most crucial stretch of the season for the injury-riddled Indians, who have two starting pitchers and three position players from last year's division champions on the disabled list.

"It is going to make it or break it for us," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "This is what it's all about. These are the teams in front of us and it will tell us what we need to know one way or the other."