Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez has struggled with first innings so far this year, and Sunday’s start proved to be no exception, as the Pirates scored four runs. First, Andrew McCutchen hit an opposite-field homer to lead off the game, and then Jose Tabata came up and hit a homer to almost exactly the same place. (Really - the announcers noted that the two home run balls might have hit the very same seat.)
Lyle Overbay then walked, and then Neil Walker hit a double to deep center. The struggling Pedro Alvarez couldn’t capitalize, as he struck out, looking at a third strike right in the zone. But Garrett Jones walked, and so did Chris Snyder, bringing in a run. Ronny Cedeno then hit a deep fly ball for a sacrifice, and Volquez was finally able to retire pitcher Jeff Karstens to end the inning. The Pirates build a nice lead against a wild pitcher, and they’ll get to start with the top of their lineup in the second inning.