Reds' Ben Lively: Strikes out eight in first start

Lively (1-2) took the loss Friday, allowing two runs on two hits and one walk over 5.2 innings in a 6-2 loss to the Yankees. He struck out eight.

Lively's first two appearances in the big leagues were as a bulk reliever, but he drew his first MLB start Friday against New York. Despite taking the loss, it was a valiant effort for the right-hander, who retired 16 straight batters at one point. He struck out the first two hitters in the sixth but was pulled with 85 pitches (50 strikes) after issuing a two-out walk to Aaron Judge. With Nick Lodolo (lower leg) likely out for a while, Lively figures to remain in the rotation as long as he continues to pitch effectively.