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First rain delay: Reds reschedule opener vs Nationals

Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez stands in the dugout before a spring exhibition baseball game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez stands in the dugout before a spring exhibition baseball game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez stands in the dugout before a spring exhibition baseball game against the Minnesota Twins at Nationals Park, Tuesday, March 27, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

By Associated Press 4 min read

CINCINNATI (AP) – The 2018 baseball season already has its first rain delay.

The Cincinnati Reds pushed back their opener against the Washington Nationals by a day because unrelenting rain is forecast for Thursday. The teams will open on Friday afternoon instead, taking advantage of what was a scheduled day

It is the first time since 1966 that Cincinnati called off its opener because of the weather.

The pitching matchups remain the same: NL Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (16-6) faces Homer Bailey (6-9), who is making his first opening day start for the Reds.

The forecast calls for steady and sometimes heavy rain Thursday, meaning the game likely would have faced long delays if it could be played at all, Reds President Phil Castellini said.