On a busy day in MLB, one starting pitcher rose to the occasion. Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo stole the headlines on Saturday afternoon with a career-best start.
Lodolo, a former 7th overall pick, struck out a career-high Philadelphia Phillies batters. In seven innings, he allowed three hits, no earned runs, and just two walks.
“Nicholas. Frank. Lodolo,” the Reds declared.
Nicholas. Frank. Lodolo. pic.twitter.com/K1OjgIQ3XG
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) April 8, 2023
Granted, the Reds didn’t win the game. The Phillies came back to win on a walk-off in the game, which just went final. That, however, does not put a damper on Lodolo or his efforts.
Furthermore, he was just lights out. As Pitching Ninja pointed out, he put away Nick Castellanos with an absolutely ridiculous breaking ball for his 10th strikeout.
Nick Lodolo, Ridiculous 79mph Breaking Ball. 😲
Not sure I've seen a dude get so many Ks on pitches that end up behind (or hitting) batters.
10th K. pic.twitter.com/Efoa0gMjIi
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2023
Pitching Ninja also posted a clip of his 12th strikeout. It was as good as it gets and as filthy as it gets too.
Nick Lodolo, 12th K.
Dude is filthy. pic.twitter.com/LpuStXK20f
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2023
Additionally, it’s sweeter when you consider that after his performance, Lodolo is now the MLB leader in strikeouts early on. His 21 tops the list, beating out Gerrit Cole, Dylan Cease, Shohei Ohtani, Spencer Strider, and other top MLB pitchers.
Cincinnati may not be viewed as a serious contender in the NL Central. But they absolutely possess one of the best young southpaws in the league, and Nick Lodolo is showing why.
