Reds starter Jeff Hoffman was shaky through the first three innings, but escaped a big jam in the top of the third inning to keep the Reds deficit at 1-0. Indians starting pitcher Logan Allen retired the first seven batters of the game with ease. The door opened for the Reds when Kyle Farmer reached base on an error and Tyler Stephenson was hit by a pitch.
Jeff Hoffman was prepared to give himself up with a bunt, but Allen threw a wild pitch to move the runners to second and third.