Reds fans aren't too familiar with Kyle Nicolas — namely because he has yet to throw a single pitch in a Cincinnati uniform. The Pittsburgh Pirates traded Nicolas to the Cincinnati Reds a few weeks ago in exchange for infield prospect Tyler Callihan. Since the deal was made, however, Nicolas has been participating in the World Baseball Classic as a member of Team Italy's bullpen.
Team Venezuela elimated Team Italy on Monday night, but Nicolas shined during his 1u2153 innings of work. The hard-throwing right-hander came on in relief of former Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen during the seventh inning and got Team Italy out of two-out jam by inducing a fly out off the bat of Eugenio Suárez.