CINCINNATI — The Cardinals' offense wasted no time introducing themselves to fans in 2021, riding a first-inning explosion to an 11-6 Opening Day win in Cincinnati.
St. Louis broke out for six runs in the first on a Paul DeJong single, an error on a Yadier Molina grounder and eventually a three-run home run by rookie Dylan Carlson.
The Cards added to their total in the second with Nolan Arenado's first RBI as a member of the Cardinals. Arenado was two for five in his debut.
Other notables on offense for the Cardinals included Paul Goldschmidt who was four for five with three runs scored and Tyler O'Neill who launched a two-run home run in the third inning.
The Reds were able to tag Cardinals starter Jack Flaherty for six earned runs in four and one-third innings. Flaherty struck out four, walked two and allowed two home runs.
Alex Reyes came in to finish up the game in the ninth for the Cardinals' first win of the season.
St. Louis is off on Friday and will resume its series with the Reds on Saturday.
Be sure to check out our new show on YouTube, hosted by KSDK sports reporters Ahmad Hicks and Corey Miller. A new episode will release every Thursday.
Cardinals Plus will feature various segments highlights current Cards news, exclusive interviews, views from the players themselves, debates and even a look back in Cardinals history.
This week, Corey and Ahmad get ready for opening day with the biggest storylines, bold predictions and a special appearance from 5 On Your Side sports director Frank Cusumano who gives his outlook on the 2021 season and some quick hits about Frank's life with the Cardinals.