Jason Vosler and TJ Friedl hit their first home runs of the season to give Graham Ashcraft the margin he needed to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1.
Vosler, who is playing first base until Joey Votto returns, hit a towering drive into the seats in right centerfield to start the scoring in the second inning. He is trying to show he can play at this level.
Vosler played in 77 games over two seasons with the San Francisco Giants. He was released by the Seattle Mariners on January 28 and signed a minor league contract with the Reds on February 1.
"Sometimes all you need is an opportunity," David Bell said. "Sometimes you work, work, work and you're not in the right place at the right time. Jason (Vosler) is making the most of that opportunity. He had a great spring training. He impressed us in a lot of ways."
Vosler also doubled in four at bats.
Brian Reynolds reached Ashcraft with a home run, one of four allowed by the sophomore right hander in seven innings. He is the first pitcher to pitch that far into a game.
"After the Reynolds home run, McCutchen I walked him and kind of sped up," Ashcraft said. "DJ came out and slowed me down and I kind of locked it in."
The Reds threatened in seventh with India singled and Friedl bunted for a hit. They reached scoring position but a nice running catch by Andrew McCutchen robbed Stephenson of two RBI.
"I've hit a home run and got a bunt hit multiple times in the same game," Freidl said. "Bunting is part of my game. Ke'Bryan Hayes has been in my face all series. When Jonathan got that hit, it was a perfect time to start a rally but I wanted to make the pitcher field it."
Rodolfo Castro and Cruz opened the eighth with singles for the Pirates. Cruz' hit fell in between Keven Newman and Jake Fraley. Newman called for it but Fraley called him off.
Derek Law replaced Young after Reynolds flied out to deep right field. McCutchen flew out to shallow right. Carlos Santana grounded out to end the threat.
Alexis Diaz came pitched a perfect ninth for his first save of the season.
Getting five innings from Ashcraft was significant.
"The last few starts in spring for Ashcraft carried over. His slider got better as the game went on. Getting seven innings was really important for out bullpen and set them up to finish it off," Bell said
"He really found momentum at the end of spring training and couldn't wait for the season to start. He just attacked and threw strikes."
"There is no one in our clubhouse, who doesn't think Graham could be one of the best in the game. More importantly, Graham believes that. He knows he's got to keep getting better and to keep working. He has the competitive nature and work ethic."
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