Jul 23, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images Brad Mills-Imagn Images

Reds Break Three-Game Losing Streak vs Nationals, Francona and Lodolo React

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Greg Kuffner | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 3:02 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds needed a win desperately on Wednesday, and Nick Lodolo delivered it with a complete-game shutout over the Washington Nationals.

Lodolo gave up just four hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out eight over nine scoreless innings on Wednesday.

"It's cool," Lodolo said. "I got the rainout CG, but now I got a real one. I feel like I had everything working for the most part. Good defense. I got some early outs that helped me stay in the game that long."

The left-hander was pounding the strike zone with 75 of his 105 pitches going for strikes.

"I thought as the game went he got stronger, which is a really good sign," Reds manager Terry Francona said. "Breaking ball has been a weapon. He holds his velocity the entire game. He threw strikes. He just really pitched a great game."

Jake Fraley, Noelvi Marte, and Jose Trevino all had an RBI, leading the offense despite having just one extra-base hit on the day.

You can watch and listen to Lodolo, Jake Fraley, and Francona's postgame comments below: