Rhett Lowder's Historic Start

It's April 5th. This is MLB News Today Baseball Coverage Powered by AI.

Red Louder just etched his name in Cincinnati Red's history.

The young hurler fired six scoreless innings in a tight two-nothing win over the Texas Rangers,

dropping his career-earned run average to one point.

Three-zero through eight starts.

That's the lowest mark for any Red's pitcher since earned runs became official back in 1913.

He matched a rare feat too, tying Fernando Valenzuela with five scoreless outings of at least five innings

in his first eight-big league starts. Valenzuela pulled that off in 1981 and snagged the

saw-young plus rookie of the year honors right after. Lauder shrugged it off like no big deal,

calling the night a real grind where he never found his rhythm.

Still, the 24-year-old rookie, back after missing last season with forearm and oblique strains,

looked sharp. He topped the previous Red's record held by Tom Browning at one point five-two

through his first eight starts. In the game, he limited Texas to three two out singles early,

struck out four, and retired 13 of his last 15 batters despite a couple.

Lead off walks. This was just his second start this year, following a solid five innings

against Boston where he allowed two runs. Manager Terry Frenkona and Catcher Jose Trevino

both raved about his veteran command and cool demeanor, saying he makes his pitches like a pro.

Lauder, this seventh overall pick from Wake Forest in 2023, seems locked in for the long haul as

the Red's ride is hot streak.