Pirates 2 - 5 Reds
Final
  for this game

Frazier blast lifts Reds past Bucs

Apr 7, 2015 - 1:19 AM Cincinnati, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Todd Frazier's three-run, eighth-inning home run sent Cincinnati past Pittsburgh by a 5-2 count in the season opener for both clubs at a rain-splashed Great American Ball Park.

Kevin Gregg ruined a solid outing from Johnny Cueto with one pitch in the top of the frame, as Andrew McCutchen tied the score on a two-out, two- run blast.

But Tony Watson (0-1) gave those runs back in the home half. He allowed one- out singles to Billy Hamilton and Joey Votto, and, after Hamilton stole third, served up the deciding pitch to Frazier, whose blast landed an estimated 432 feet from home plate.

"Frazier had to do one job, hit the ball in the air -- and that's exactly what he did," said Cincinnati's Marlon Byrd. "It just went a little further than usual."

Jumbo Diaz (1-0) recorded the final out in the eighth and Aroldis Chapman retired the side in the ninth for his first save.

Cueto fanned 10 and gave up four hits and a walk over his seven-inning start. Counterpart Francisco Liriano also lasted seven frames, allowing two runs on as many hits while fanning seven and issuing three walks.

"As happy as I am to see it, I'm almost as happy when it's over," noted Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, of his club's long wait following a second straight postseason appearance.

Cincinnati picked up the game's first run in the home third thanks to a walk to Cueto, fielder's choice grounder from Hamilton, single by Votto and a balk.

Jay Bruce's solo shot, coming with one away in the fourth, cleared the wall in right center for a 2-0 game.

Cueto was pulled after 100 pitches, only to see Gregg give up a one-out single to Josh Harrison before McCutchen rapped a ball deep to right center which tied the score.

"I know that game almost got away, but it didn't," Bruce offered.

Game Notes

Cueto fanned Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco looking to end the third inning to record his 1,000th career strikeout ... Pittsburgh opened the season on road for first time since 2011 ... Cincinnati improved to 5-8 in season openers at GABP and 5-2 in Opening Day games played on April 6.






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