Reds' starter Rhett Lowder, 3 relievers combine to blank Rangers

Lowder pitches six shutout innings as Cincinnati shuts out Texas 2-0

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:35am

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Rhett Lowder pitched six shutout innings and three Cincinnati Reds relievers combined to blank the Texas Rangers 2-0 on Saturday in Arlington, Texas. Lowder allowed just three hits and two walks while striking out four in 82 pitches. The Reds scored both of their runs in the first inning on RBI singles by Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart.

Why it matters

The win improves the Reds' record to 2-1 on the young season, while the Rangers drop to 1-2. Lowder's strong outing and the bullpen's ability to hold the lead was an encouraging sign for Cincinnati, which is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Lowder (1-0) was in control throughout his six innings, only allowing one runner to reach second base. Emilio Pagan came on to pitch a shaky ninth inning, walking two batters, but was able to close out the game and earn his third save. Rangers starter Kumar Rocker (0-1) went five innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out three.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

The players

Rhett Lowder

The 24-year-old Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher who threw six shutout innings, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out four.

Emilio Pagan

The Reds relief pitcher who pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his third save of the season.

Kumar Rocker

The Texas Rangers starting pitcher who went five innings, giving up two earned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out three in his first start of the season.

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The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's strong outing and the Reds' bullpen holding the lead was an encouraging sign for Cincinnati as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season. The Rangers, meanwhile, will need to find more offensive production to support their starting pitching.