The Cincinnati Reds didn’t have a good day on Sunday as they wrapped up their spring training efforts in Arizona. Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo left the game in the 1st inning and then the team lost the finale 8-2 to the Cleveland Guardians a few hours later.
The Highlights
Things went poorly for Nick Lodolo in the bottom of the 1st inning. He walked Steven Kwan to start the frame and then gave up a 2-run home run to Angel Martinez. Two pitches later he left the game with a blister on his pitching hand. We’ve got a little more information on that here, but it’s essentially a “let’s see how he is tomorrow” situation.
Cincinnati called on Griffin Green to enter the game out of the bullpen. The 25-year-old was an undrafted free agent signing last summer and has yet to actually make his professional debut (though he did record an out earlier this spring with the Reds). He struggled a bit after taking over for Lodolo, giving up two singles and a walk in the 1st, leading to another run for Cleveland. The next inning he walked two more batters and gave up two RBI singles as the Guardians made it 5-1 after two innings. Cincinnati’s run came on a solo home run in the top of the 2nd inning by Noelvi Marte.
Cleveland would tack on another run in the 3rd inning when Kyle Manzardo hit a solo home run off of Brady Afthim. Graham Ashcraft gave up a run in the next inning when a leadoff walk to Jose Ramirez led to a run scoring when Chase DeLauter doubled later in the inning. Facing Luis Mey in the 6th they would add to their lead thanks to a throwing error by shortstop Carlos Sanchez.
With the Reds trailing 8-1 in the top of the 8th they would score their first run since the 2nd inning. After a strikeout began the frame the Reds put together three straight singles with Alexander Vargas scoring on the third one from Zavier Warren to make it 8-2. That was the last that either team would score as the last official spring game was completed for the Reds.
You can see the box score for this game here.
News and Notes
Cincinnati finishes Cactus League play for 2026 with a 14-15 record.
Noelvi Marte was the only Reds hitter with multiple hits. He went 2-2 with a home run.
Cincinnati had zero walks in the game from their hitters and struck out eight times. Their pitchers combined to walk and strikeout seven.
The Reds will now head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They’ll play an exhibition game on both Monday and Tuesday at American Family Field against the Brewers. Monday’s game will be at 7:40pm ET. Tuesday’s game will be at 5:10pm ET.