The battle for the Ohio Cup began with the Cincinnati Reds beating the Cleveland Guardians 5-4 on Friday night in Cincinnati.

Cleveland has maintained its grip on the Cup for the last 10 seasons.

Terry Francona managed the Reds for the first time against the Guardians, whom he led to a decade of success until “retiring” before the 2024 season.

Speaking of old friends, Will Benson blasted a three-run homer to right field off Tanner Bibee (3-4) to give the Reds a 3-0 lead in the second inning.

Benson started his big-league career with the Guardians in 2022.

Cincinnati tacked on another run in the second on a throwing error by Cleveland shortstop Gabriel Arias.

The Reds pumped up their lead to 5-0 in the third inning on a solo homer by Austin Hays. Bibee has surrendered 11 home runs in his nine starts.

LET’S NOT PANIC

Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt stuck with Bibee, allowing him to pitch six innings. He only used one reliever, Michael Festa, preserving the bullpen for the rest of the series.

Meanwhile, the Guardians tried to mount a comeback against Reds starter Brady Singer (5-2).

Carlos Santana’s fourth-inning single scored Steven Kwan and Kyle Manzardo.

Bo Naylor’s sixth home run of the year cut the Reds’ lead to 5-3 in the fifth inning.

Jose Ramirez bashed a 401-foot homer to right field in the eighth to pull Cleveland within one run. The red-hot Ramirez has nine homers this year.

However, Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan pitched a scoreless ninth inning for his 10th save.

NEW STARTER

With Ben Lively on the injured list, Slade Cecconi will make his first start for the Guardians tonight.

Chase Petty or Brent Suter (ESPN can’t decide) will take the mound for the Reds at 6:40 p.m.