The Red Stockings lost their first ever game, as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys defeated Cincinnati 10–9 at Bank Street Grounds. The team hovered around the .500 level, as they had a record of 8–9 record in their first 17 games, sitting in fourth place. The Red Stockings then went on a 10-game winning streak and rose to first place in the American Association. Cincinnati stayed hot for the rest of the season, finishing with a 55–25 record and winning the American Association pennant, 11.5 games ahead of the second place Philadelphia Athletics.