Flaherty gave up six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.1 innings in a no-decision against the Reds on Thursday.
The Cardinals staked Flaherty to a six-run lead before he even took the mound, yet he couldn't secure the Opening Day win. Inefficiency and a couple long balls led to manager Mike Shildt turning to his bullpen in the fifth inning as Flaherty's pitch count ticked up to 94. A road matchup in Miami next week looks like a great spot for Flaherty to get right -- on paper, anyway.