Reds hit five home runs in exhibition victory

The Cincinnati Reds showed the power potential of their offense in their first game against outside competition since March. They overcame a 5-0 deficit with five home runs and beat the Detroit Tigers 9-7 on Tuesday in the first of two exhibition games this week at Great American Ball Park.

ExplorePREGAME NEWS: Votto among players who kneel during anthem

After Reds starter Nick Lodolo, the franchise’s first-round pick in 2019, allowed five runs in 1 1/3 innings, Freddy Galvis hit a two-run home run in the second to cut the deficit to 5-2.

Tucker Barnhart hit a solo home run in the third.

The Reds trailed 6-3 when Shogo Akiyama hit a game-tying three-run home run to center field in the fifth.

Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run home run into the second deck in left field in the eighth inning, giving the Reds an 8-6 lead. In the same inning, Jesse Winker hit a solo home run to left.

ExplorePHOTOS: Reds in Summer Camp

The Reds lineup had an Opening Day look. It featured Akiyama batting first and playing left field. First baseman Joey Votto followed, and then it was the third baseman Suarez, second baseman Mike Moustakas, right fielder Nick Castellanos, Winker at designated hitter, the shortstop Galvis, center fielder Nick Senzel and catcher Tucker Barnhart.

The Reds and Tigers play another exhibition game at 6:10 p.m. Wednesday. Both teams get Thursday off and then open the 2020 season at 6:10 p.m. Friday in Cincinnati. That’s the start of a three-game series and the 60-game season.