Graham Ashcraft had already struck out Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Ji-Man Choi twice when they matched up again in the seventh inning.
The at-bat ended in the same way as the previous two. Ashcraft unfurled an 89-mph slider and Choi nearly fell to a knee as he tried to make contact on the pitch that dipped below the strike zone.
It was that type of day for Ashcraft and Pirates hitters. Ashcraft, in his season debut, permitted one run in seven innings to lead the Reds to a 3-1 victory at Great American Ball Park and earn their first series win of the season.