Reds' Rookie Starter Very Impressive in Return

 

Max Scherzer got all the attention last night, understandably so, but Nick Lodolo was fantastic on the other end, as well.

The twenty-four year old rookie starter was making his first start since April 26 after missing the last two months with a back strain. Lodolo threw 4.2 innings, allowing three hits, zero runs, three walks and eight strikeouts, on 89 pitches. 

Top @Reds prospect Nick Lodolo had the strikeout pitching working, fanning 8 over 4 2/3 scoreless innings. pic.twitter.com/XIIb2VJctb

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) July 6, 2022

Lodolo succesfully scattered sinkers, curveballs and changeups to get 15 swinging strikes on the Mets, impressively striking out star players Lindor, Alonso, and Nimmo three times each. The three walks were the only damper on the night, but he was able to work around them before being lifted in the fifth inning.

The lefty is back❗️@nicklodolo pic.twitter.com/srtyHnDDdS

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 5, 2022

Mets' manager Buck Showalter had some high praise for the lefty before the game.

Buck Showalter talked about Nick Lodolo before the game today. pic.twitter.com/fJSqIMhXli

— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) July 5, 2022

Lodolo was moved up to the MLB no. 29 ranked prospect after the strong outing, and will face the Rays on Sunday for his next start.  

On the season, Lodolo now holds an improving 4.19 ERA, 1.50 WHIP with a very good 27 strikeouts in 19 innings.

Photo Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports