Shogo Akiyama’s debut was delayed until the sixth inning, but it was worth the wait.
Akiyama had a night to remember in the Reds’ 7-1, Opening Day victory over the Detroit Tigers before an empty house at Great American Ball Park Friday.
Akiyama was not in the starting lineup with left-hander Matthew Boyd on the mound for Detroit. But right-hander Jose Cisnero took over for Boyd in the sixth. With two out, Freddy Galvis singled and Curt Casali walked.
Reds manager David Bell sent up Akiyama to pinch-hit for Phillip Ervin.
Akiyama took a 95 mph fastball for a strike and then swung through one at 96.