The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Nick Lodolo led the way on the mound, as he out-dueled Braves starter Spencer Strider.

The Reds' southpaw turned in 6.2 innings of three-run baseball. He did walk four hitters, but Lodolo struck out four and contained the Braves' talented offense. Meanwhile, Strider allowed four runs (three earned) in his five innings of work on the mound.

Strider was able to strike out eight hitters, but he did not work especially deep into the game. Lodolo surrendered less total runs and worked into the 7th inning. He did an impressive job of saving the bullpen. 

Lodolo now has a 5.20 ERA across five outings to go along with 22 strikeouts. He has had an inconsistent performance since returning from the injured list, but Lodolo is more than capable of making an impact.

Offensively, Eugenio Suarez led the way with a home run to go along with two RBI. Elly De La Cruz, JJ Bleday and Spencer Steer all have two hits in the contest. Cincinnati scored six runs on 10 hits.

The Reds have had an up and down offensive performance so far this season. The lineup is capable of having big games, but they also have some quiet performances. If the pitching gives the Reds an opportunity to win, the lineup is capable of helping out matters.

The Reds are now 30-28 overall. In a number of divisions, Cincinnati would be in the conversation for first place. However, the Reds are in last place in the competitive National League Central standings. 

They have gone 6-4 over their past 10 games. The team has been rather inconsistent overall, but they have the potential to make a postseason push. They avoided a sweep on Sunday, as the Braves led the series 2-0 before the Reds' victory on Sunday. 

On Monday, they will begin a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals in Cincinnati. The Royals have struggled throughout the season despite having lofty expectations entering the campaign.

The Reds should be in a good position to have a quality series, but anything can happen. The Royals still have a talented ball club and they are more than capable of pulling off an upset.

First pitch for the first matchup of the series between the Royals and Reds on Monday night in Cincinnati is scheduled for 7:10 PM EST.