CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds start the 2023 season 0-1.
After a 100-loss season last year, second baseman Jonathan India immediately brought some joy to Great American Ball Park, hitting a single to center field to start the game. He later scored Cincinnati's first run on a Tyler Stephenson ground out.
It wasn't Cincinnati's offense that struggled, though.
Opening Day starter Hunter Greene had eight strikeouts but left in the fourth inning after throwing 83 pitches. The 23-year-old gave up five hits while on the mound, exiting the game tied 1-1 with two on base.
Fernando Cruz, who replaced Greene, struggled to find the strike zone. The Pirates scored two runs on bases-loaded walks. A wild pitch gave Pittsburgh a 4-1 lead.
Cincinnati didn't give up. Spencer Steer homered to left center in the bottom of the fourth to make it 4-2. India started off the fifth inning with a walk. A Jason Vosler triple brought India and Jake Fraley home, tying the game.
Pirates second baseman Ji-hwan Bae scored what would be the winning run in the top of the eighth inning on a Oneil Cruz sacrifice fly.
India tried to kickstart a comeback in the bottom of the ninth, hitting a double to left field. It wouldn't be enough.
After the game, Greene told reporters, "Today is a tough day." He said the team had been talking about opening day since the start of spring training.
The Reds start the season 0-1. They'll play the Pirates again Saturday at 4:10 p.m.
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