Recap the Reds' 5-0 win vs. the Nationals as Nick Lodolo pitches a complete game shutout. See how his dominant performance has Cincy buzzing in July 2025.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Even on a scheduled day off, the buzz around the Cincinnati Reds is palpable. You can't have a performance like the one Nick Lodolo delivered Wednesday night without some afterglow. While the team rested on Friday, fans were still basking in the brilliance of his first career complete game shutout, a 5-0 masterpiece against the Nationals that has the team feeling confident as they push through the season's second half.
A complete game shutout on just 4 hits with 8 strikeouts and zero walks. That's not just a win, that's a statement.
The main story, even two days later, is the absolute dominance of Nick Lodolo. On Wednesday, he achieved a career milestone, throwing his first-ever complete game shutout. Lodolo was ruthlessly efficient, carving up the Nationals' lineup over nine brilliant innings. He scattered just four hits, struck out eight, and, most impressively, issued zero walks. It was a masterful performance that not only secured a crucial 5-0 win but also solidified his role as a true leader of this pitching staff.
While Lodolo blanked the opposition, the Reds' offense provided just enough support to make his masterpiece count. The lineup chipped away to build a comfortable lead, highlighted by key contributions throughout the game. Jake Fraley and Santiago Espinal each collected two hits, with Fraley driving in a run with a single in the 4th inning. Later, Noelvi Marte provided insurance with an RBI double in the 8th, and Jose Trevino added a sacrifice fly. It was a complete team win, backing up their ace on his historic night.
A quiet off-day on the trade and transaction front allows the focus to shift to the bigger picture. The future of the organization received a vote of confidence recently, with MLB Pipeline ranking the Reds' farm system 11th in all of baseball following the 2025 draft. With cornerstone prospects like Cam Collier still ranked in the Top 100 and a fresh class of draftees signing their contracts, the pipeline of talent to Cincinnati remains strong. It's a promising sign that the success of homegrown players like Lodolo is a trend that's built to last.
With the team sitting at 53-50 and third in the NL Central, every game from here on out carries weight. This brief pause was a chance to recharge the batteries after an emotionally charged victory. Now, the Reds will look to carry the momentum from Lodolo's historic outing into their next series, aiming to climb the standings one dominant performance at a time.
