SAN FRANCISCO -- The Cincinnati Reds continued their impressive run against the San Francisco Giants, shutting them out for the second consecutive game with a nail-biting 1-0 victory on Tuesday night at Oracle Park. Nick Lodolo led the charge on the mound, pitching six sharp innings, allowing only three hits, and securing his second win of the season.
The pivotal moment of the game came in the third inning when Jose Trevino's groundout brought Spencer Steer home, marking the only run of the night in a game that lasted just 2 hours and 5 minutes. This victory not only highlighted the Reds' pitching prowess but also marked their first series sweep of the season after they previously defeated the Giants 2-0 on Monday.
Spencer Steer was a standout player for the Reds, hitting a pair of doubles and contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts. Gavin Lux also had a productive night at the plate, recording a double and a single. Despite the low-scoring nature of the game, the Reds showcased their ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
Lodolo (2-1) was supported by a strong relief performance from Graham Ashcraft, who pitched two innings without allowing a hit, and Emilio Pagán, who earned his second save of the season. Pagán closed out the game, finishing with a four-hitter, as the Reds' pitching staff continued to dominate, recording their second shutout in as many nights.
For the Giants, Landen Roupp (0-1) struggled despite a commendable effort, surrendering seven hits over six innings while managing to limit the damage to just one run. Roupp's performance, coupled with Hayden Birdsong's relief work, kept the Giants in the game, but they ultimately couldn't find the offensive spark needed to tie the contest.
One of the most critical defensive plays came in the fifth inning when Giants first baseman Casey Schmitt executed a perfect throw to home plate, preventing Steer from scoring and keeping the Giants within striking distance. However, the Giants' offense faltered, managing only four hits throughout the game.
Jung Hoo Lee, who had reached base safely in all ten games prior to this match, went 0 for 4, ending his eight-game hitting streak. The Giants had opportunities to score but failed to capitalize, leaving them with unanswered questions heading into the final game of the series.
As the Reds celebrated their victory, their manager Terry Francona expressed the need for urgency moving forward. "We needed to have some urgency. Not panic, but urgency," he stated. "I felt that in the dugout. There's been really good energy. Now we've got to show up in about 11 hours and go get 'em."
The Reds will look to extend their winning streak as they face the Giants again on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 3:45 p.m. ET. Nick Martinez (0-2, 5.91 ERA) is set to take the mound for the Reds, while the Giants will counter with Justin Verlander (0-0, 6.14 ERA), who is eager to bounce back from a disappointing outing against the Seattle Mariners.
Fans can catch the action live on NBCS-BA and FDSOH, with tickets still available for those wishing to attend the game at Oracle Park. The Giants, currently sitting at 8-2, will be looking to shake off the dust of two consecutive shutout losses and regain their offensive rhythm against a Reds team that has found its stride.
As the teams prepare for the series finale, the Reds' pitching staff stands out with a combined ERA of 3.09, ranking sixth-best in the league, while the Giants boast a formidable 2.77 team ERA, placing them second across all MLB pitching staffs. The matchup promises an exciting conclusion to the series, as both teams aim to solidify their standings early in the season.
With the Reds having blanked the Giants twice in a row, the stakes are high for the Giants to respond. Will they find their offensive groove, or will the Reds continue their dominance? Fans are in for a thrilling showdown as these two teams clash once more.
