Jordan Lawlar hits a 2-run HR and has 3 RBIs to lead the Diamondbacks past the Reds 9-0

By: David Brandt, The Associated Press Posted: 11:36 PM CDT Friday, Aug. 21, 2026

PHOENIX (AP) — Jordan Lawlar hit a two-run homer and had a career-high three RBIs, Eduardo Rodriguez threw 5 2/3 strong innings and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Cincinnati Reds 9-0 on Friday night to keep pace in the National League playoff race.

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The D-backs remain a game behind the San Diego Padres for the final NL wild-card spot.

The 24-year-old Lawlar had the first three-hit game of his career while Geraldo Perdomo also had a three hits. Gabriel Moreno, Tim Tawa and Corbin Carroll all had two hits. Lawlar’s two-run shot to left field in the second gave the D-backs a 3-0 lead and was the center fielder’s second homer in the big leagues.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Jordan Lawlar, right, celebrates his two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds with Diamondbacks' Tim Tawa (13) during the second inning of a baseball game, Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Rodriguez (13-4) continued his brilliant season, giving up four hits and two walks while striking out four. The left-handed All-Star lowered his ERA to 2.61.

The Reds have dropped six of their past eight games.

Cincinnati left-hander Nick Lodolo (3-3) was hit hard, giving up six runs on 10 hits and two walks over 3 1/3 innings. The D-backs scored at least one run in each of the first four innings, building a 6-0 lead by the fifth.

Arizona stole four bases in the first two innings, which happened for just the fourth time in franchise history.

Reds left fielder Michael Toglia left the game in the first inning because of a dislocated right shoulder. Toglia made a diving catch on Geraldo Perdomo’s fly ball in the gap, but landed hard on the shoulder and left the field with medical personnel.

Up next

The Diamondbacks send RHP Michael Soroka (8-3, 2.93 ERA) to the mound on Saturday vs. Reds RHP Rhett Lowder (4-8, 5.17).

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See AP’s full MLB coverage here