The Reds lost 6-4 to the Padres on June 29, 2025, after a bullpen collapse wasted a gem from Nick Lodolo. Gavin Sheets' late homer sealed the comeback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a script Reds fans know all too well. A solid lead late in the game, a gem from the starting pitcher, and a jolt of energy from the offense, all erased in a matter of minutes. The Cincinnati Reds snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Sunday, falling 6-4 to the San Diego Padres after a catastrophic bullpen meltdown in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park.
A dominant 6-inning, 2-run performance from Nick Lodolo was wiped away as the bullpen surrendered 4 runs in the final two innings.
The Reds looked poised to take the series finale, carrying a 4-2 lead into the eighth inning. But the bullpen, a recurring source of anxiety, faltered when it mattered most. The Padres mounted a rally that culminated in Gavin Sheets launching a go-ahead, three-run homer that silenced the Cincinnati crowd. The late-game implosion was a gut punch, turning a potential victory into a frustrating loss and dropping the Reds to fourth place in the tight NL Central race.
Before the late-game drama, Nick Lodolo was dealing. The lanky lefty was masterful through six innings, holding the potent Padres lineup to just two earned runs while striking out seven and walking only one. He left the game in line for the win, having delivered exactly the kind of quality start the team needed. His 3.63 season ERA is a testament to his consistency, but on this day, his stellar effort resulted only in a no-decision, a frustrating outcome for one of the team's top arms.
The brightest spot in a dark day was, once again, Elly De La Cruz. The superstar shortstop continued his assault on opposing pitchers, launching his 19th home run of the season and driving in two runs. He also added his 18th stolen base, showcasing the dynamic power-speed combo that makes him one of the most exciting players in baseball. While his heroics weren't enough for a win, his production remains the engine of the Reds' offense and a constant reason for optimism.
With no major roster moves or prospect call-ups on the horizon, the Reds will have to find answers with the personnel they have. This loss stings, especially as it drops them further back in the division standings. The team needs a short memory as they head into their next series. The starting pitching is there and the offense has its superstars, but until the bullpen can reliably lock down leads, these kinds of heartbreaking losses will remain a painful reality.
