Reds 4, Giants 3
CINCINNATI -- Marlon Byrd hit a go-ahead solo home run in the eighth inning after Johnny Cueto delivered another solid outing, and the Cincinnati Reds held on for a 4-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants in the opener of a four-game series at Great American Ball Park.
Cincinnati (18-17) improved to 21-8 against the Giants over the past four seasons behind a strong seven innings from Cueto, who allowed two runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out nine.
With one out in the eighth, Byrd launched a 1-1 pitch from reliever Sergio Romo (0-2) into the left field stands for his eighth homer, putting Cincinnati ahead 4-3. It was the left fielder's eighth home run this season.
Reds closer Aroldis Chapman struck out two in the ninth for his seventh save.
Jumbo Diaz (2-0) earned the victory by retiring the final two Giants in the eighth.
Giants starter Tim Lincecum held Cincinnati hitless through three innings, but he struggled with his command throughout, issuing a season-high five walks in 4 2/3 innings.
Lincecum was scored upon for the first time in May, giving up three runs on five hits while striking out four.
San Francisco (17-18) earned Lincecum a no-decision when it tied the score 3-3 in the eighth. Second baseman Joe Panik tripled off reliever Tony Cingrani and scored on center fielder Angel Pagan's single to right against a drawn-in infield.
It was the second time this season that Cueto's fell victim to a blown save.
Cueto, who has a 4.40 career ERA in the first inning, started slowly again, allowing a run, two hits and a walk.
However, the Giants ran themselves out of a bigger inning when first baseman Brandon Belt struck out and Panik was caught in a rundown between first and third to complete an inning-ending double play.
It was one of three double plays that didn't involve a ground ball.
In the third, San Francisco left fielder Gregor Blanco doubled and later scored from third when Cueto was called for a balk, making the score 2-0.
Twice Lincecum appeared to catch his spikes on the mound and nearly fell. He repeatedly went to the scraper at the back of the mound to clear dirt off his cleats.
Lincecum held the Reds hitless until third baseman Todd Frazier's double leading off the fourth. Frazier scored on catcher Brayan Pena's single to center, snapping Lincecum's 18-inning scoreless streak.
The inning ended when second baseman Skip Schumaker lined hard to Pagan, who doubled Pena off first base.
In the fifth, Cincinnati loaded the bases for the second time in the game. This time, the Reds cashed in when Byrd's bloop hit scored two runs for a 3-2 lead.
NOTES: Cincinnati RF Jay Bruce made his 1,000th career appearance. ... Reds 2B Brandon Phillips was out of the lineup for the second straight game because of turf toe. He was available to pinch-hit, though he didn't get into the game. He likely will return Friday. ... Giants RHP Matt Cain, on the disabled list retroactive April 4 with a sore right forearm, is scheduled to throw an extended bullpen session Friday. RHP Jake Peavy, on the DL since April 18 with a strained back, threw a light bullpen Thursday. ... The Reds are 21-8 vs. the Giants the past four seasons. ... Reds manager Bryan Price said before Thursday's game that RHP Raisel Iglesias, who picked up his first win in his second career start Wednesday, would remain with the big-league club in a bullpen role.