Rhett Lowder sets Reds record with 1.30 ERA through 8 starts

Reds rookie pitcher matches Fernando Valenzuela's feat of 5 scoreless starts in first 8 career games

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Rhett Lowder lowered his career ERA to 1.30, the lowest for a Reds pitcher through eight career starts since 1913. Lowder threw six scoreless innings in a 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers, matching the late Fernando Valenzuela's record for the most scoreless starts of at least five innings by a pitcher in their first eight career games since 1900.

Why it matters

Lowder's historic start to his MLB career has put him in elite company, joining Valenzuela as the only pitchers to accomplish this feat in the modern era. His dominant performances have helped the Reds get off to a strong start this season and have fans excited about the team's future with this young phenom on the mound.

The details

The 24-year-old Lowder held the Rangers to three two-out singles, with only one runner reaching second base. He struck out four batters and retired 13 of the last 15 he faced, with the two baserunners coming after his only two walks of the game. Lowder's 1.30 ERA through eight career starts is the lowest for a Reds pitcher since the earned run became an official stat in 1913, surpassing the previous record of 1.52 set by Tom Browning in 1984-85.

  • Lowder made his second start of the 2026 season on April 5, 2026.
  • Lowder made his MLB debut in the final month of the 2024 season, going 2-2 with a 1.17 ERA in six starts.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 24-year-old rookie pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who was the 7th overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft out of Wake Forest. He missed all of the 2025 season due to injuries but has burst onto the scene in 2026 with a historic start to his career.

Fernando Valenzuela

A legendary left-handed pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1980s. Valenzuela had the most scoreless starts of at least 5 innings (5) by a pitcher in their first 8 career games since 1900, a feat that Lowder has now matched.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who has praised Lowder's mature and veteran-like approach on the mound despite his young age and limited MLB experience.

Jose Trevino

The catcher for the Texas Rangers, who caught Lowder's dominant performance and praised the young pitcher's command, stuff, and overall demeanor on the mound.

Tom Browning

A former Reds pitcher who held the previous franchise record for lowest ERA through a pitcher's first 8 career starts at 1.52, a mark that Lowder has now surpassed.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Oh really? No, I didn't know that. That's pretty cool, but just want to keep going and keep winning.”

— Rhett Lowder, Reds Pitcher

“Honestly, it was a grind. I feel like I never got into rhythm. ... I mean I'm happy with it for sure, but it wasn't easy.”

— Rhett Lowder, Reds Pitcher

“I don't think he was searching ... it's nice to see him get his legs under things like that. But I don't think we were too worried about that part of it. He's a pretty mature kid.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

“He's a good pitcher. He knows where his stuff is going. He has an idea of how to use his tools, how to use his weapons. I mean, he can throw any pitch at any time. It's pretty impressive, like his demeanor out there, his attitude towards it all. ... I think he's going to be good for a long time.”

— Jose Trevino, Rangers Catcher

What’s next

Lowder will look to continue his historic start when he takes the mound for the Reds in his next scheduled outing on April 10th against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's dominant start to his MLB career has put him in elite company, matching a feat only accomplished by legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela. The young Reds ace has shown poise and command beyond his years, and has Reds fans excited about the team's future with this phenom leading the rotation.