In a remarkable turnaround, Nestor Cortes delivered an impressive performance against the Cincinnati Reds, allowing only one hit over six innings, securing a 1-0 victory for his team. This loss marked the third consecutive game where the Reds fell by a scoreline of 1-0, making them the first team since the Philadelphia Phillies in May 1960 to experience such a streak. The Reds faced tough pitching from both Cortes and Joel Payamps, who notched his first save by retiring the side in order during the ninth inning. Meanwhile, Cincinnati's Nick Lodolo put up a commendable fight but ultimately succumbed to unearned runs.

Just five nights earlier, Cortes had endured a disastrous outing against the New York Yankees, where he allowed home runs on each of his first three pitches. That game resulted in an embarrassing 20-9 defeat. However, Cortes rebounded sharply in this contest, striking out six batters while walking two. His only concession was a double by Jose Trevino in the third inning. Throughout the game, Cortes demonstrated remarkable control, silencing the Reds' lineup effectively.

On the other hand, Cincinnati’s starting pitcher, Nick Lodolo, kept the opposition at bay for the initial three innings without allowing any baserunners. In the fourth inning, Jackson Chourio led off with a ground-rule double, followed by a fielding error that permitted William Contreras to reach base. Sal Frelick capitalized on the situation with a two-out single, driving in Chourio and scoring the lone run of the game. Despite their efforts, the Reds couldn't capitalize on opportunities in later innings, as they were thwarted by Elvis Peguero, who retired key batters in the seventh.

The Reds now carry the unfortunate distinction of being the first team since the Washington Nationals last September to be shut out in three straight games. This historic losing streak highlights the challenges faced by the Reds in maintaining offensive momentum against strong pitching performances.

As the season progresses, the Reds will need to find ways to break through these slumps if they hope to compete more effectively. Their current struggles underscore the importance of consistent hitting and strategic adjustments to counteract elite pitching like that displayed by Cortes and Payamps in this pivotal matchup.