Nick Lodolo's Complete Game Shutout Lifts Reds Over Nationals 5-0

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Washington Nationals 5-0 on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in an MLB game highlighted by Nick Lodolo's masterful performance. Lodolo pitched his first career complete game, recording eight strikeouts and allowing just four hits with no walks.

The 27-year-old left-hander showcased dominance in his 21st start of the season, setting a new single-season career best with 124 1/3 innings pitched. His stellar outing led the Reds to a crucial victory.

Cincinnati's offense provided steady support, with Jake Fraley and Santiago Espinal each contributing two hits. The Reds broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning when Elly De La Cruz drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and scored on a single by Jake Fraley off Nationals starter Michael Soroka.

The Reds extended their lead in the late innings. Noelvi Marte hit an RBI double in the eighth, followed by Jose Trevino's sacrifice fly that drove in Jake Fraley, making it 3-0. Matt McLain and Elly De La Cruz each added an RBI in the ninth inning to cap the scoring at 5-0.

The loss snapped the Nationals' five-game home winning streak against the Cincinnati Reds.

Key moment

In the eighth inning, with one out, Jackson Rutledge relieved Konnor Pilkington for the Nationals. He gave up back-to-back singles to Austin Hays and Jake Fraley. Noelvi Marte then doubled to left field, followed by Jose Trevino's sacrifice fly, which extended Cincinnati's lead to 3-0.

Key stat

The Cincinnati Reds avoided being swept for the first time this season, a significant achievement after losing the first two games of the series. Cincinnati set a new franchise record for consecutive series without being swept, reaching 33 straight. This surpasses the previous mark of 32 set by the 1970 Reds team, which famously went on to win the National League pennant.

Up next

Cincinnati's Nick Martinez (8-9, 4.73 ERA) is scheduled to pitch Friday in the opener of a three-game series against Tampa Bay. The Rays have not yet announced their starter. Washington's MacKenzie Gore (4-9, 3.59 ERA) takes the mound Friday against Minnesota's Zebby Matthews (1-2, 6.26 ERA) to kick off their own three-game set.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds secured a 5-0 shutout victory over the Washington Nationals on July 23, 2025, primarily due to a stellar complete game performance by pitcher Nick Lodolo, who struck out eight and yielded only four hits. Offensive contributions from Noelvi Marte, Jose Trevino, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Jake Fraley provided the necessary runs. This win was particularly significant for the Reds, as it allowed them to avoid a series sweep for the first time this season and establish a new franchise record of 33 consecutive series without being swept, surpassing a mark set by the 1970 Reds. The Nationals' five-game home win streak against Cincinnati was also ended.

Related Links

• Cincinnati Reds News & Updates
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• Washington Nationals News & Updates
• Washington Nationals Schedule & Scores
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