Reds' Lodolo, Stewart shine in spring training win over White Sox

Lodolo strikes out first three batters, Stewart homers in Cincinnati's 3-2 victory

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo opened his 2026 spring training with a scoreless two-inning start that included four strikeouts, while first baseman Sal Stewart hit his first home run of the spring in the Reds' 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.

Why it matters

The strong performances from Lodolo and Stewart are encouraging signs for the Reds as they look to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NL Central in 2026. Lodolo's dominant start and Stewart's power display provide optimism for the team's pitching and hitting heading into the new campaign.

The details

Lodolo retired the first four batters he faced, including striking out the first three. The only blemish on his outing was a groundout single by White Sox center fielder Luisangel Acuna. Stewart, who is considered a top Rookie of the Year candidate, went 1-for-3 with a solo home run on the first pitch he saw. Outfielder JJ Bleday, a recent free agent signing, also hit a two-run homer in the third inning to give the Reds a 3-0 lead.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Nick Lodolo

A left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who established career highs in starts and innings pitched in the 2025 season.

Sal Stewart

A first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds who is considered a top Rookie of the Year candidate heading into the 2026 season.

JJ Bleday

An outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds who was signed to a one-year, $1.4 million deal after being non-tendered by the Athletics.

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What they’re saying

“The strikeouts included the first three batters he faced this spring as he retired the first four overall – and might have retired the first five if not for Sox center fielder Luisangel Acuna beating out what looked like a routine grounder to short with one out in the second.”

— Gordon Wittenmyer, Author (dispatch.com)

The takeaway

Lodolo's dominant start and Stewart's power display are positive signs for the Reds as they look to build on their 2025 season and compete in the NL Central in 2026. The team's pitching and hitting appear to be in good shape heading into the new campaign.