Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo was right back where he started on April 1.
Nearly six months ago, on Opening Day, the Reds’ ace allowed a double in the first inning of his first game of the season. Then he allowed six runs in the first inning. That snowballed into the worst 10-game stretch of his career.
This time, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night at Great American Ball Park, Castillo allowed a leadoff double against one of the best offenses in baseball. He responded by pitching like the ace that he has been for the Reds for most of his career.