A look back at Reds Opening Day 2019

Posted March 28, 2019...........

Reds 5 Pirates 3

What a day. What a game.

The Reds won on a day their Top 5 hitters were a combined 1 for 18.

Bench + depth + versatility = a better Reds team

How about Derek Dietrich? First pitch he sees with the Reds results in a pinch-hit three-run game-winning homer. I loved his boyish enthusiasm as he rounded the bases. He becomes and instant fan favorite. Dare I say it was 'Scooter like' moment?

Luis Castillo was nasty. The change-up was Mario Soto like dynamite. I'll admit to slight surprise he was pulled by David Bell after a 2-out single in the 6th inning with the Reds up 1-0. His previous fastball was at 95.7 mph, it wasn't a hard contact hit and he didn't show signs of wobbling. However, he was at 91 pitches in his first start of the year and with an off day Friday, Bell had full use of his pen. Jared Hughes was probably their most dependable pitcher a year ago. It didn't work. It happens.

How about Michael Lorenzen pinch-running then playing CF for the final two innings? Love it. He's the best defensive center fielder on the team.

Bell used three relievers to each get an out in the 9th inning.

What a colossal duel between David Hernandez and Corey Dickerson. Leading 5-3, with the bases loaded on walks, Dickerson grounded out to conclude a 12 pitch dual to end the game.

Joey Votto, without an extra base hit during Spring Training, doubled in his first at-bat Thursday.

It's the first time the Reds have been above .500 since they were 19-18 on May 14, 2017.

Largest regular season crowd in GABP history: 44,049