Reds top Cubs 3-2 on Aug 5, 2025, thanks to a TJ Friedl single, but an early injury to starter Nick Lodolo puts the team's rotation in jeopardy.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
The Cincinnati Reds secured a nail-biting 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, but the celebration was tempered by a significant concern. While TJ Friedl played the hero with a go-ahead single and the bullpen delivered a masterful performance, the early exit of starter Nick Lodolo with a finger blister casts a shadow over the crucial win and the team's rotation moving forward.
Just when the Reds needed him most, Nick Lodolo walked off the mound after just 1.2 perfect innings, leaving a bullpen to secure a crucial win and a fanbase holding its breath.
It was a classic 'next man up' scenario. After Nick Lodolo was forced from the game with a blister on his left index finger, the Reds' bullpen was tasked with recording 22 outs against a division rival. They were flawless. Led by Scott Barlow, who earned his fifth win, the relief corps shut down the Cubs, setting the stage for the offense. Tyler Stephenson got the scoring started with a solo shot, and after Elly De La Cruz roped an RBI double, it was TJ Friedl who broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh with a clutch RBI single that proved to be the game-winner. Emilio Pagán slammed the door for his 24th save, securing a win that was all about grit and depth.
While the pitching drama unfolded, Elly De La Cruz quietly continued his phenomenal sophomore campaign. His RBI double was another key hit in a season full of them. He now sits on the cusp of a major milestone with 19 home runs and 73 RBIs. His blend of power and speed has made him the engine of this Reds offense, a constant threat who is proving to be one of the most exciting players in the league. As the Reds push for the playoffs, they'll be leaning heavily on their young superstar to carry the load.
Just as one door closes, another opens. With Lodolo's status for his next start uncertain, the timing couldn't be better for a new arm to enter the fold. Right-hander Zack Littell, acquired last week from the Tampa Bay Rays, is set to make his Reds debut tonight against the Cubs. Sporting a respectable 3.58 ERA over 8 starts and 8 relief appearances for the Rays this season, Littell is being thrust immediately into a high-leverage situation. His performance will be under a microscope as the Reds look for stability in a suddenly shaky starting rotation.
One gritty win is in the books, but the marathon continues. Last night's victory showed the team's heart, but the real test is navigating the road ahead. With Lodolo's health in question, tonight's debut of Zack Littell isn't just another game—it's a test of the Reds' resilience and a glimpse into how they'll survive this thrilling playoff race.
