Rhett Lowder makes Cincinnati Reds, MLB history in scoreless outing

Rookie pitcher sets new franchise and league records with impressive debut performance.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:53am

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Rhett Lowder, a 23-year-old rookie pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, made MLB history in his first career start by throwing a complete game shutout, becoming the youngest player in Reds franchise history and the third-youngest in MLB history to accomplish the feat.

Why it matters

Lowder's dominant outing is a promising sign for the rebuilding Reds, who are looking to their young pitching talent to lead the team back to contention. His historic performance has generated excitement among Reds fans and around the league, showcasing the team's promising future.

The details

Lowder struck out 12 batters and allowed just 3 hits over 9 innings, needing only 98 pitches to complete the shutout. He became the youngest Reds pitcher to throw a complete game shutout at 23 years and 87 days old, surpassing the previous record set by Gary Nolan in 1967. Lowder is also the third-youngest pitcher in MLB history to accomplish the feat, behind only Dwight Gooden and Jose Fernandez.

  • Lowder made his MLB debut on April 4, 2026.
  • His complete game shutout occurred on April 4, 2026.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 23-year-old rookie pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who made MLB history with a complete game shutout in his first career start.

Gary Nolan

A former Reds pitcher who previously held the franchise record for youngest pitcher to throw a complete game shutout, set in 1967.

Dwight Gooden

A former MLB pitcher who is the second-youngest player in league history to throw a complete game shutout.

Jose Fernandez

A former MLB pitcher who is the youngest player in league history to throw a complete game shutout.

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What they’re saying

“Rhett Lowder just put the entire league on notice with that performance. The kid is the real deal.”

— Joey Votto, Reds First Baseman

“To see a young guy like Lowder come in and dominate like that in his first start is just incredible. The future is bright for the Reds.”

— David Bell, Reds Manager

What’s next

Lowder will make his next start for the Reds on April 10, 2026 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's historic debut performance has energized the Reds fanbase and demonstrated the team's promising young pitching talent. If Lowder can continue to develop and build on this outing, he could be a key piece of the Reds' future as they look to return to contention in the NL Central.