In Dayton, Ohio, right-handed pitcher Rhett Lowder garners the spotlight as he embarks on his professional journey with the Reds organization.
Lowder’s exceptional and noteworthy college tenure at Wake Forest has captured the admiration of baseball enthusiasts with its dominance and historic significance.
During his final season in Winston-Salem (2023), he pitched 120.1 innings, achieving an impressive 1.87 ERA and an unblemished 15-0 record.
The Cincinnati Reds selected Lowder in the first round of last year’s draft, choosing him seventh overall.
Now, he is poised to make his professional debut on Friday night with the Reds’ nearby High-A affiliate, the Dayton Dragons.
“In the early stages, I’m gathering a lot of information. I have a good understanding of my capabilities, and I’m eager to see how hitters respond,” Lowder commented. “I’m adaptable and prepared to adjust as needed throughout the season.”
Lowder expressed his “very excited” anticipation for the commencement of his professional career. “It’s something I’ve looked forward to since I was a kid,” he enthused. “It’s a dream come true. I’m ready to take it all in.”
Having spent time with the Reds organization last summer and fall, Lowder unfortunately did not have the opportunity to pitch in a game due to the prolonged college season, culminating in a spot in the College World Series. However, he participated in spring training with the Reds in Goodyear, appearing in three games.
While he exhibited solidity in his initial two spring appearances, allowing four hits and one run in three innings, he encountered difficulties in his final spring outing, conceding five runs. Lowder also showcased his talent in a Spring Breakout game against the Texas Rangers, delivering a dominant performance with two perfect innings in relief.
Reflecting on the expectations surrounding him, Lowder emphasized his commitment to consistency. “A lot of people are expecting one thing or another. I’m trying to be consistent with who I am and show up every day the same person,” he remarked.
Lowder highlighted his excitement for the crowd at Friday night’s game. Notably, the Dayton Dragons have achieved a remarkable feat by selling out every home game for 23 consecutive years.
