Well Opening Day has come and gone, and what a way to start the season. The Reds beat the Marlins 4-0 behind a very good start from Johnny Cueto and just enough hitting. Cueto looked strong throughout, even dialing up the velocity as the game wore on. It really seemed like he paced himself early and then went after the strikouts in tough situations or later in his outing. 3 of his 4 strikeouts came in the last 5 batters he faced, two of which were the only times he faced a batter with a runner in scoring position. It was very impressive and makes you wonder if Cueto would be capable of more strikeouts if he tries for them early in the game. Obviously that was irrelevent yesterday because the Marlins simply weren't getting anyone on base to put Cueto in a jam.
The hitting was pretty good, not great. Nobody looked particularly bad at the plate, and there is certainly some good depth to the lineup, especially if Rolen is having good at bats. I hadn't seen much of Bruce, but man he really does look a lot thinner and wasn't that far off from 2 home runs. Chapman and Marshall were lights out in the 8th and 9th. Chapman should absolutely be in the rotation, but if the plan is to limit his innings now and then move him there a little later, that could make for a nice rotation towards the end of the season.
One last thing. The game had the largest crowd ever for GABP, and that is awesome to see. Unfortunately you couldn't really tell. I know it was cold, but we Reds' fans have got to be louder and more in the game. The prime example was the 7th inning when Cueto had dialed it up and was trying to work out of the inning. It was obviously going to be his last inning of a superb start. Everyone should have been on their feet and then given him a huge ovation after the inning. Reds' fans know baseball, so let's act like it and get into the game a little better!
Anyways, the undefeated dream is still alive. 1-0.
