PHOENIX — On Friday night the Arizona Diamondbacks rolled past the Cincinnati Reds with a decisive 9‑0 win, a result that keeps them one game behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild‑card spot.
Lawlar’s breakout performance
Twenty‑four‑year‑old shortstop Jordan Lawlar delivered the night’s headline play, belting a two‑run homer to left field in the second inning. The blast gave Arizona a 3‑0 lead and marked Lawlar’s second career home run. He finished the game with three hits – the first three‑hit game of his major‑league career – and a career‑high three runs batted in.
Geraldo Perdomo also contributed three hits, while Gabriel Moreno, Tim Tawa and Corbin Carroll each added two. The offensive outburst was spread across the first four innings, with the D‑backs scoring at least one run in each frame and building a 6‑0 advantage by the fifth.
Rodriguez continues his strong season
Left‑handed pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (13‑4) added another solid outing, delivering 5 2/3 innings of work. He allowed four hits and two walks while striking out four batters, lowering his earned run average to 2.61. Rodriguez’s performance further solidified his role as a key member of Arizona’s rotation.
Reds struggle and injury
Cincinnati’s left‑hander Nick Lodolo (3‑3) was unable to contain the Arizona attack, surrendering six runs on ten hits and two walks over 3 1/3 innings. The Reds have now lost six of their past eight games.
Early in the game, Reds left fielder Michael Toglia suffered a dislocated right shoulder after making a diving catch on a Perdomo fly ball. He left the field in the first inning and required medical attention.
Historic base‑stealing feat
Arizona stole four bases in the first two innings, a rarity that has occurred only four times in franchise history.
Looking ahead
Saturday’s matchup will see the Diamondbacks send right‑hander Michael Soroka (8‑3, 2.93 ERA) to the mound against Reds right‑hander Rhett Lowder (4‑8, 5.17 ERA). Both clubs will look to build on Friday’s results as the playoff race tightens.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
