Cincinnati Reds rookie Rhett Lowder has been making waves in the big leagues, showcasing his talent and determination on the mound. The 22-year-old right-hander will be seeking his first win as a starter when the Reds take on the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game series.
Lowder, who was drafted as the seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest, has quickly risen through the ranks to make his mark in the majors. After starting his professional career this season, Lowder has shown great promise in his performances on the field.
In his second major league start against the Houston Astros, Lowder pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and four walks while striking out three. His impressive outing helped the Reds secure a 1-0 victory, highlighting his potential and talent as a pitcher.
“It’s awesome to get up here. I didn’t really try to put a timeline on myself,” Lowder said. “I felt like that was out of my hands. All I could do was go out, try to put together good starts and good innings, and it just happened to be now. This experience is huge. I just want to throw up as many zeros as I can and learn as much as I can.”
Lowder’s ability to change pitches, mix speeds, and hit his spots has garnered praise from his teammates and coaches. Reds manager David Bell commended Lowder for his poise and maturity on the mound, stating that he has shown he is prepared to pitch in big games.
Cincinnati catcher Tyler Stephenson also spoke highly of Lowder, noting his composure and skill as a former college standout. Stephenson emphasized Lowder’s command of the game and his ability to execute pitches effectively, making him a valuable asset to the Reds’ pitching rotation.
The Reds, who are currently 70-75, have been on a hot streak lately, winning six of their last eight games. Their recent 1-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves showcased the team’s pitching prowess, with Nick Martinez, Fernando Cruz, and Alexis Diaz combining for a two-hitter to secure the win.
On the other hand, the Cardinals (72-71) have had a mixed season, losing two of three games to the Seattle Mariners in their recent homestand. St. Louis will be looking to bounce back against the Reds, with starting pitcher Andre Pallante taking the mound in hopes of solidifying his spot in the rotation.
Pallante, who holds a 6-7 record with a 4.07 ERA, has had his ups and downs this season. In his latest outing against the Brewers, Pallante struggled with his command, walking five batters in five innings and allowing five runs and two homers. Despite this setback, Pallante remains determined to improve and make a strong impact for the Cardinals.
“I wasn’t throwing my (two-seam) fastball in to righties. That’s a very important pitch for me. That’s the biggest thing I changed. It’s given me a lot of success this year,” Pallante said, reflecting on his performance against the Brewers.
Pallante will be facing a familiar opponent in the Reds, a team he has had success against in the past. With a 5-0 record and a 1.31 ERA in 14 games, Pallante will look to continue his dominance over Cincinnati and help the Cardinals secure a crucial win in the series.
Both teams will be looking to key players to make an impact in the upcoming games. The Cardinals hope to have second baseman Brendan Donovan back in the lineup after missing the previous two games due to a foot infection. Meanwhile, the Reds will be monitoring second baseman Jonathan India’s status after he exited a game with a sore left elbow.
As the Reds and Cardinals gear up for their series, all eyes will be on Lowder as he seeks his first win in the majors. With his talent, determination, and support from his teammates, Lowder is poised to make a significant impact and help lead the Reds to victory against their division rivals.