Reds set MLB record for consecutive starts by rookie pitchers

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Michael Lorenzen helped his team make history when he fired a first-pitch strike to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter in the first inning of Friday's series opener.

Lorenzen's first pitch officially marked the 42nd straight game the Reds have used a rookie starting pitcher, breaking the previous mark held by the 1902 Cardinals.

The last time the Reds started a non-rookie pitcher was against St. Louis on July 28, when right-hander Mike Leake threw eight scoreless innings for the victory days before he was traded to the San Francisco Giants. Entering Friday, the last-place Reds had won just 14 of those 41 rookie starts.

The Reds have slowly dismantled their once-strong rotation after trading Mat Latos during the offseason and dealing Leake and ace Johnny Cueto at this year's deadline.

Veteran right-hander Homer Bailey has been sidelined since early April after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his elbow.