Fans come out for Reds vs. Futures

CINCINNATI - Reds fans itching for Opening Day got the chance to see their favorite team play Tuesday at Great American Ball Park against the organization’s future stars.

Nearly 13,000 fans saw future Reds players beat the current team 2 to 1 in a seven innings in a first of its kind exhibition game called the Spring Showcase.

The Futures team scored both of its run on a homerun by Donald Lutz.

Lutz played last season for the Dayton Dragons where he batted .301 with 20 home runs and 75 RBI. He went deep to center field off of Reds starter Mike Leake.

The Reds lone run came from a homerun by shortstop Zack Cozart.

George Silvas and his son Nick went to the ballpark early to see both teams take batting practice.

"He plays a lot of baseball, so when he's not playing we go down to see the future Reds coming up through the (Dayton) Dragons," said Silvas of his son.

Fans lined the rail of the field to get autographs from both the current Reds, and those that could one day play in Cincinnati.

“I think it's an excellent idea, brings you an opportunity to meet some of the younger guys in the system, some of which are spread all over the country, and now I get to see them all in one place, so it's a great idea," said Reds fan James Jones.

The Reds open the regular season Thursday when they host the Miami Marlins at 4:05 p.m.