Nick Lodolo pitched a masterful complete game shutout as the Cincinnati Reds beat the Washington Nationals 5-0 on July 23, 2025, to avoid a series sweep.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a season of ups and downs, Nick Lodolo delivered an absolute masterpiece. On a day the Reds desperately needed a stopper, the lanky lefty put the team on his back, throwing his first career complete game shutout to blank the Washington Nationals 5-0 and salvage the series finale.
9 Innings. 4 Hits. 0 Runs. 0 Walks. 9 Strikeouts. Pure dominance.
It was the Nick Lodolo show from start to finish at Nationals Park. The Reds' southpaw was simply untouchable, commanding the zone with a blistering 94.5 mph sinker and baffling hitters all afternoon. He needed just 109 pitches to go the distance, allowing a measly four hits while striking out nine and, most impressively, walking zero batters. The performance, culminating in a groundout from Amed Rosario, wasn't just a win; it was a statement. As teammates mobbed him on the mound and social media lit up with praise, it was clear we had witnessed a career-defining moment for the young pitcher.
While Lodolo was dealing, the Reds' offense took its time getting started. For a while, it felt like another frustrating day of squandered pitching. But the bats finally came through. Jake Fraley broke the scoreless tie in the 4th, singling home Elly De La Cruz. The real breathing room came late, with Noelvi Marte lacing an RBI double in the 8th, followed by a Jose Trevino sac fly. The insurance runs in the 9th, driven in by a crafty bunt single from Matt McLain and a double-play grounder, were the final nails in the coffin. It wasn't an offensive explosion, but it was exactly what they needed to reward their ace.
This 5-0 victory was more than just one win; it snapped a two-game skid, prevented a demoralizing sweep, and kept the Reds (53-50) firmly in the NL Wild Card picture. However, the on-field celebration is tempered by off-field realities. An ESPN report surfaced suggesting the Reds front office is unlikely to be a major buyer at the trade deadline. Despite obvious needs in the rotation and for offensive depth, the team seems hesitant to part with top prospects from a farm system described as 'top heavy'.
The front office's reluctance to trade is rooted in the promise of prospects like Chase Burns, Rhett Lowder, and Sal Stewart. These players represent the next wave of Reds talent. However, reports also criticize a lack of depth and continuity below that top tier, raising long-term questions. The decision at the deadline becomes a balancing act: leverage the future for a chance to win now, or stand pat and trust the system? Lodolo's performance today argues for going for it, but the front office may have other plans.
One brilliant performance from Nick Lodolo has injected life back into the Reds. But the question remains: will this be a turning point or just a brilliant flash in the pan? With the trade deadline fast approaching, the front office faces a critical decision. Will they reward this team's fight by adding reinforcements for a playoff push, or will they bank on the future? The next week will tell us everything about the direction of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds.
