CINCINNATI-The Cincinnati Reds are on pace to go 162-0 after winning their first game of the 2004 season 3-0 over division rival Chicago Cubs.

"We had a great start. We played solid defense. We were amazing on the mound. We even played the small things well," said starting catcher Jason LaRue.

It was a pitching duel for most of the game. Cubs starter Kerry Wood, despite not surrendering a hit for the first 6 innings, found himself entering the bottom of the seventh inning on the wrong side of a 1-0 game. Adam Dunn was walked and then advanced to third on a passed ball. He was credited with a steal. Juan Castro hit a sacrifice fly to drive him in. "That would have been pretty crazy," Wood said, "If I had thrown a no hitter and lost."

Barry Larkin makes a diving stop during the 3-0 win.

Paul Wilson pitched 8 innings allowing just 5 hits and no runs while striking out 2. "I had it today," said Wilson.

The Reds next score came in the bottom of the 7th. Ken Griffey Jr. singled. Austin Kearns followed with his first homerun of the season; an opposite field blast off Wood. "I was great until then. I just made one mistake and he [Kearns] capitalized on it," said Wood.

Reds closer Chris Reitsma earned his first save of the season. The Reds take on the Cubs two days from now at home. Tickets are still available.