Reds fall to Nationals 10-8 on July 22, 2025, as a pitching collapse wastes a comeback effort from Noelvi Marte & Gavin Lux. Read how the 8-game streak ended.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it seemed the Cincinnati Reds had found their pitching groove, it all came crashing down in a chaotic 10-8 loss to the Washington Nationals. A night that began with a deep deficit saw a furious comeback attempt from the offense, but it wasn't enough to overcome a disastrous performance on the mound that snapped an eight-game streak of holding opponents to four runs or fewer.
Six Reds relievers combined to allow six walks and 10 hits, unable to stop the bleeding after an early exit from the starter.
The game felt over almost before it began. Starter Brady Singer was shelled, lasting just 2 1/3 innings while surrendering seven runs. The Nationals pounced early, with former Red Daylen Lile's three-run triple in the first and Josh Bell's solo shot in the third burying Cincinnati in a 7-0 hole. It was a jarring departure from the dominant pitching that had become the team's calling card over the past week.
Despite the early hole, the Reds' bats refused to surrender. The team mounted a massive five-run rally in the fourth inning, sparked by four consecutive RBI singles that chased Nats starter Jake Irvin from the game. Noelvi Marte and Gavin Lux were the offensive catalysts all night, each finishing with two hits and two RBIs, providing a glimpse of what this lineup can do even when the chips are down. However, their valiant effort was ultimately erased by the bullpen's inability to keep Washington off the board.
With the loss pushing the Reds to 52-49 and 8.5 games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central, the pressure mounts. While the immediate focus is on salvaging the series, the organization remains committed to its long-term vision. The recently completed draft, which added high-upside talents like NCAA home run champ Mason Neville and lauded 'steal' Kien Vu, reinforces a farm system already brimming with talent like tomorrow's starter, Chase Burns. It's a reminder that even on nights like this, the foundation for future success is still being built.
The sting of this loss is real, widening the gap in the NL Central to a daunting 8.5 games. But in baseball, the page turns quickly. Now, all attention shifts to rookie Chase Burns on Tuesday. Can the fireballing prospect silence the Nationals' bats, stop the bleeding, and provide the spark this team desperately needs? Tonight's game will be a crucial test of the young righty's mettle and the team's resilience.
