Reds' Brandon Williamson: Rude welcome in 2026 debut
Williamson (0-1) was the losing pitcher Tuesday when he allowed six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out three over 4.2 innings in an 8-3 loss to Pittsburgh.
Williamson was roughed up by the Pirates in his first big-league start in 560 days. The left-hander avoided damage in the first inning, when he gave up a single and a walk to the first two batters, but the Pirates eventually got to him in the second. A three-run home run from Ryan O'Hearn and a solo blast by Bryan Reynolds highlighted Pittsburgh's five-run frame. "Obviously I threw a few too many heaters over the plate," Williamson told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. "Hindsight 20/20, I throw something else or locate it a little bit. Really the three-run shot was the dagger." Williamson later gave up a third home run in the fourth inning. He's scheduled to make his next start April 6 against the Marlins, but Williamson did little to suggest he'll keep his spot in the rotation once Nick Lodolo (finger) is cleared to make his season debut.
