CINCINNATI -- Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo struck out 12 batters and then exited with a groin injury on Thursday in a dominant performance that helped his team move within a half-game of the New York Mets for the final NL wild card.

Lodolo left the 2-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates with one out in the seventh inning. The Reds said he was taken out for precautionary reasons.

The left-hander allowed two hits, one walk and allowed no runs. His dozen strikeouts tied a career high, having also struck out 12 against the Philadelphia Phillies on April 8, 2023.

It was his seventh double-digit strikeout game.

The victory for Lodolo (9-8) and the Reds was preserved when right fielder Noelvi Marte recorded the final two outs, including robbing Bryan Reynolds of a home run with a spe

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