The Reds struck quickly against Pirates ace Gerrit Cole, making his 2016 debut. Cole gave up two runs in the first inning, and even though he settled down as the day wore on, Cincinnati drove up his pitch count and forced him out of the game before he could get through the fifth inning.
Cole, one of the Majors' best young pitchers, continued to struggle against the Reds. The right-hander is 0-5 with a 5.30 ERA in seven career starts against Cincinnati and 40-16 with a 2.90 ERA against everybody else.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Hot start: Four of the first five batters for the Reds reached base, including a leadoff double to left field by Billy Hamilton, as they grabbed a 2-0 lead against Gerrit Cole.