The Pittsburgh Pirates dropped their first series of the year to the Cincinnati Reds, losing the deciding game by a 3-1 score on Sunday.
Pirates free agent starter Vince Velasquez made his debut, going 4.2 innings with three runs allowed. He was hurt by the long ball, which was a theme for the Pirates in Great American Ball Park. Velasquez gave up a home run to Jason Volster in the second inning to give the Reds an early 1-0 lead. His day ended with another home run in the fifth, this one to TJ Friedl, which gave the Reds their final 3-1 lead.