Nick Lodolo made an impressive return to the big leagues, striking out 10 batters over 5 2/3 innings in his first start in nearly a year as the Cincinnati Reds shut out the Chicago White Sox 5-0 on Saturday.

Cincinnati capitalized on a five-run second inning against Garrett Crochet, setting the stage for Lodolo’s dominance on the mound. The towering 6-foot-6 left-hander surrendered just one hit, an infield single by Robbie Grossman to lead off the sixth inning, and issued only one walk while hitting two batters.

Reds manager David Bell praised Lodolo’s stellar performance, noting the effectiveness of the left-hander’s work since returning to action.

Despite Cincinnati slugger Elly De La Cruz going hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts, his ninth-inning walk extended his streak of reaching base safely to 19 consecutive games dating back to last season. De La Cruz had powered the Reds to an 11-1 victory in the series opener against the White Sox with a three-run homer.

Chicago struggled at the plate, managing just two hits throughout the game. The White Sox, plagued by offensive woes, have scored the fewest runs in the majors with only 30 during their dismal 2-12 start to the season.

While acknowledging the strength of his team’s pitching, White Sox manager Pedro Grifol lamented their lack of offensive production.

Chicago’s hopes of a late rally were dashed in the ninth inning when Kevin Pillar singled with one out but was promptly picked off first base by Reds reliever Brent Suter, sealing the shutout victory for Cincinnati.