The Reds took care of business in game one of Friday’s doubleheader in Pittsburgh by a final score of 4-2 in seven innings. Luis Castillo was strong, the early-inning offense came through and an 11th home run from Nick Castellanos was all the necessary insurance to salt this one away against the bottom-feeding Pirates. The Reds move to 17-21 on the season.

While we wait for game No. 2 to start in a few minutes, here’s a rundown of everything you missed from the afternoon tilt while you were at work.

Castillo Bounces Back

The 2020 season has not been kind to 2019 Reds ace Luis Castillo. Through seven starts this year, the 27-year-old Dominican right-hander was 1-5 with an ERA over four. But thankfully, facing the lowly Pirates (11-25) was just the antidote he needed. Castillo threw six innings of 7-hit, 2-run ball on Friday afternoon, earning his second win of the season. He lowered his ERA by 15 points, from 4.10 to 3.95.

Castillo was able to pitch out of trouble in the 2nd inning and only gave up two in the 3rd after a walk and two hits. He regained his stamina in the following innings and threw his 93rd pitch in the 6th for a 98 mph strikeout before giving way to Raisel Iglesias. His final line read 6.0 innings pitched with eight strikeouts and just two walks. He’ll hope to continue his newfound success when the Reds travel to Chicago next week.

Castellanos Brings the Insurance Coverage

In case you haven’t noticed, this Castellanos guy is, uh, pretty good at hitting baseballs long distances. With this 419-foot bomb to center, he moved into a tie for the fourth-place position on the National League leaderboard.

How nice of Nick Castellanos to deliver a gift to the Reds' bullpen. pic.twitter.com/YPw3D4gyXy

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 4, 2020

It was all the security that the Reds needed in this one, as Castillo and Iglesias took care of the rest.

In other news, Joey Votto continued his hitting ways, going 1-3 with a walk and a run scored. Aristides Aquino scored the team’s first run in the 2nd on an RBI knock by rookie Jose Garcia, the first of his career.

First MLB RBI for the 22-year-old ‼️

Congratulations, Jose Garcia! pic.twitter.com/eJwFCjWd3n

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 4, 2020

The Redlegs will go for the sweep in the nightcap, as Trevor Bauer faces off against righty Cody Ponce for Pittsburgh. The first pitch is expected at 7:25 p.m. And fear not: there will be plenty of Shogo Akiyama content in this one.