The Cincinnati Reds held their first opening day in 2 years, as they hosted the St. Louis Cardinals in front of a Covid-19 rule enforced crowd at Great American Ballpark.
While it was great to see the Redlegs out playing again at the Great American Ballpark, the party was spoiled as the Cardinals jumped out early and held on to a 11-6 win in front of a cold and partisan crowd, who was ready to see Cincinnati play after the Reds made the postseason last year.
The Reds was roughed up early as Opening Day starter Luis Castillo couldn't find his groove, allowing 8 runs in 3+ innings. The Reds would get on the board and make it interesting as they had the bases loaded and this 6th inning, (down 11-6).
But a line drive out would end the rally, and the Reds were never able to build another one.
Here's the good, the badass, and the ugly about game 1:
The GOOD:
(1) 6 runs in 1st game - While this may not seem like a big deal, it is, as the Reds had the lowest Batting average in the NL last season.
(2) Votto Hitting Early - Watching Votto knock in runs in game 1 is a very good sign for the Reds. He usually heats up later, so maybe he will be locked in all season, as opposed to getting hot the 2nd half of the season like he has over the last 4 or 5 seasons.
The BADASS:
(1) The Fans - Whoever braved the cold ass weather that was on display yesterday to go sit at a Reds game or any game under 40 degree weather? You are a badass.
(2) India Shines - The rookie showed his skills early and often as he got 2 hits, and flashed the glove, making a play without using his throwing hand which was smooth as butter... This guy looks like a natural.
(3) Castellano Has Good Start -
Castellano, who signed a 64 million dollar contract before Covid hit, came out the gate with a good performance. His play could be a huge key to ho
The UGLY:
(1) Pitching Woes - Castillo got shelled, and hopefully its a aberration. Withthe Reds needing him and Sonny Gray to lead from the front after losing ace Trevor Bauer to the Dodgers.
(2) Baserunning Gaffe- With 1 out and the bases loaded in the 6th, the Reds had their best shot, when the ball was lined out into left field. While the runner from 3rd tagged up to ready to score, the runner at 2nd was thrown out after middling too far when he couldn't get back in time.
The Reds lost a run, the momentum, and eventually, the game in one fell swoop.
Overall, the Reds offense did show up, but it was a blowout early, negating any offensive vibes.
They also must see if the defense can hold up with a myriad of position changes to get India in the mix.
Next Game: Game 2 Today (4pm)
Can the Reds knock off Wainwright and the Cards?
