PITTSBURGH, April 8 (UPI) -- Ron Villone pitched 7 1/3 scoreless innings and Brian Giles made an immediate contribution Monday to give the Pittsburgh Pirates a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in their home opener.
Villone (1-1), who once pitched for the Reds, allowed four hits, walked two and struck out three to help the Pirates win their first home opener in nine seasons. Mike Fetters recorded the final two outs of the eighth and Mike Williams retired the side in order in the ninth to preserve his fourth save in as many opportunities.
Pittsburgh has a 5-1 record for the first time in 19 seasons.
Jason Kendall grounded out to start the sixth inning before Giles laced a double to right field on a 1-1 pitch from former Pirates pitcher Elmer Dessens (0-2). Giles moved to third base when Dessens was called for a balk before Aramis Ramirez lifted a sacrifice fly for the game's only run.
