Reds vs. Tigers, Game 1: Preview and Lineups

Holy shit, guys. We’re playing baseball. Just cover your eyes, plug your nose, and breathe through your mask and try not to notice the rest of the country falling ill from this raging pandemic because, dammit, we’re playing sports. That’s how we handle these things, right? The Cincinnati Reds are playing their first regular season baseball game in the year 2020 come hell, high water, or 70,000 cases a day. The Detroit Tigers come to Cincinnati in an environment that will unfortunately be familiar to both squads: With no fans in attendance.

The Reds will be sending Sonny Gray to start tonight’s game. He’s deserving of this honor, as he is coming off of the best season of his career. A perfect “Change of Scenery” candidate in 2019, Gray put up a 2.87 ERA in 31 starts. He struck out 205 batters and put up a career-best 10.5 K/9.

Detroit will oppose with Matthew Boyd, who is in his 6th season. He is coming off a year where he gave up a career high in dingers (39!) but also struck out a shit ton of batters (238). Welcome to baseball in 2019. This will be his first appearance against our dear Reds.

Go Reds! You’re our favorite team!

Cincinnati Lineup