Reds rookie Nick Lodolo looks to continue his dominance against the visiting Red Sox

When you take a step back and look at what the Cincinnati Reds' three rookie starters have done this season, it's quite remarkable. Hunter Greene returned from the injured list last week and put forth a tremendous performance. Graham Ashcraft has dominated at time for the Reds this season. But Nick Lodolo may be the best of the trio and he'll take the hill tonight versus the Boston Red Sox.

Lodolo offers quite the contrast from Greene and Ashcraft. Greene is the flame-throwing right-hander who was taken with the No. 2 overall pick while Ashcraft is the fiery, confident competitor who goes to the mound with the mindset of getting the opposing batter out in three pitches or less.

But Lodolo is the more mild-mannered, smooth operator who's repertoire is pristine and polished. The southpaw will look to record his third consecutive outing with double-digit strikeouts when the Red Sox visit Great American Ball Park tonight.

Nick Lodolo has dominated the opposition in recent weeks.

Nick Lodolo missed about two months of action after landing on the IL with a lower back strain. Lodolo returned to the Cincinnati Reds rotation in early-July, but his starts during the month of September have been out of this world.

On September 4th, Lodolo blanked the Colorado Rockies. He allowed no runs on just two hits while punching out nine batters. During his next start, Lodolo struck out 11 Milwaukee Brewers while allowing just two runs on five hits over eight innings. Lodolo's last start was against the Pittsburgh Pirates and the left-hander punched out 11 while allowing only three runs on six hits.

The Boston Red Sox, while not completely eliminated from the postseason, will likely be watching the playoffs from home this season. But don't let their record fool you; Boston ranks fourth in the American League in hits (1,307) and OPS (.731) and leads the AL in doubles. It will be no small task if Lodolo is able to keep the Red Sox in check tonight at Great American Ball Park.