Reds Suffer 11-6 Loss to Nationals in Series Opener

The Cincinnati Reds lost 11-6 to the Washington Nationals in the opening game of their three-game series, with starter Nick Lodolo allowing seven runs over 5⅓ innings and the team committing several costly errors. Manager Terry Francona pointed to miscommunication and execution problems, especially during a pivotal seventh-inning play and a failed steal attempt by Elly De La Cruz. Despite these issues, the Reds got early offense from Spencer Steer’s two-run double and Tyler Callihan’s first career hit and RBI. Reds pitcher Hunter Greene avoided serious injury after being struck by a 96.6 mph line drive and is reported to be fine following a recent 12-strikeout outing. The Reds now hold an 18-15 record, second in the NL Central, while the Nationals are 14-19 and fourth in the NL East. Gavin Lux and Elly De La Cruz have led the Reds, with Keibert Ruiz and C.J. Abrams as standouts for the Nationals.