Cincinnati Reds series preview: Opening Day against the Buccos

The Cincinnati Reds are ready to usher in their 150th year of baseball with a season opening series against the Central Division rival Pittsburgh Pirates.

It’s Opening Day Reds fans! Your Cincinnati Reds kick off the 2019 season against the Pittsburgh Pirates. There is much excitement among the fans with the additions the team has made to their lineup and starting rotation this offseason.

Probable Pitchers:

• Thursday, March 28th.  Jameson Taillon (14-10 3.20 ERA) vs. Luis Castillo (10-12 4.30 ERA)
• Saturday, March 30th.  Chris Archer (6-8 4.31 ERA) vs. Sonny Gray (11-9 4.90 ERA)
• Sunday, March 31st. Trevor Williams (14-10 3.11 ERA) vs. Tanner Roark (9-15 4.34 ERA)

Pirates News and Notes:

Right-hander Jameson Taillon will be making his first ever Opening Day start.  Saturday marks Chris Archer’s first appearance vs. the Reds.  The Pirates went 82-79 in 2018, finishing 4th in the NL Central.

Manager Clint Hurdle is entering his 9th year as the Pirates skipper.  He’s compiled a 666-628 record and led the team to 3 post season appearances.  This will be the 31st time the Pirates and Reds have clashed on Opening Day.  The Pirates hold a 22-8 advantage against the Reds on Opening Day and hold a 1198-1183 overall edge.

Reds News and Notes:

Flamethrower Luis Castillo will be making his first Opening Day start.  Joey Votto extends his club record Opening Day starts for a Reds first baseman with 11.  The Reds went 67-95 in 2018 finishing last in the NL Central.

David Bell makes his major league managerial debut when his team takes the field this afternoon.  He’s the fourth member of the Bell family to wear a Reds uniform.  His grandfather Gus, father Buddy and brother Mike all played for the Reds during their careers.

Hall of Fame radio play-by-play broadcaster Marty Brennaman begins his 46th and final year calling Reds action.  The club begins its year long celebration of the 150th anniversary as the first professional baseball franchise.

Series Prediction:

The Cincinnati Reds get off to a good start taking 2 of 3 from the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates.