Angels catcher Chris Iannetta’s two-out single in the 13th inning scored two runs, the first in 10 innings for either team, and left the Reds with a 3-1 loss in their 2013 season opener. It was the first extra-inning Opening Day in Cincinnati since 1988.
The starting pitchers, the Reds’ Johnny Cueto and the Angels’ Jered Weaver, set the tone for the night. They combined to give up two earned runs and five hits in 13 innings.
“Both of them were throwing strikes,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “Both of them were tough. They were around the strike zone and had good breaking balls. Both of those guys can pitch. Both have been winners. Both are No. 1s.”
Cueto struck out nine in seven innings. He made only one mistake, and Iannetta hit it out of the park — a home run to left in the third.
“I did feel real good today,” said Cueto, who made his second straight Opening Day start. “I was just concentraiting on pitching to that team. They have really good hitters.”
The Reds tied the game in the bottom of the third when Shin-Soo Choo, who doubled to lead off the inning, scored on a wild pitch. The ball didn’t get far away from Iannetta, but Choo gambled and just beat the tag. In his first game with the Reds, Choo had two of the team’s three hits.
Through 12 innings, the teams combined for eight hits. The Reds didn’t get a hit in the last five innings, and they left a total of 10 men on base in the game. The temperature, in the 30s by the end of the game, had a lot to do with that. The Angels stranded 12 runners.
“You get loose in (the clubhouse) between innings,” outfielder Chris Heisey said. “In a couple minutes, you’re already chilled and cooling off, so you try to stay loose as best you can.”
The Reds suffered their first injury of the season in the third inning. Ryan Ludwick dislocated his shoulder sliding into third base as Choo scored from third, and he will have an MRI today to determine the extent of the injury.
“I was trying to be aggressive,” Ludwick said. “I saw Jared arguing at the plate, and I saw an opening to where I could get to third. I got there, but the ground was a little wet. When I slid head first, my hand hit the ground, and it stopped. Usually, when you slide, you slide. Well, my hand hit, and it stayed there. My shoulder popped out. Not the best Opening Day I’ve had, but hopefully we get good news (Tuesday).”
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