CINCINNATI – It was a bizarre scene last season when the Giants played a series at Great American Ball Park. One of the faux smokestacks in center field went up in flames, and firefighters battled the blaze as play continued.
There weren’t any structure fires during the Giants’ 9-6 victory here Monday night. Just a three-run home run from Brandon Crawford that soared into the stands, and another immolation from the league’s worst bullpen.
Johnny Cueto’s first start as a visitor in Cincinnati barely registered a golf clap from the smallish crowd. Reds fans are schooled by now to save their voices, and their protestations, for the moment the bullpen gate swings open.