Nick Lodolo, the left-handed pitcher the Cincinnati Reds drafted in the first round in June, will start for the Dayton Dragons against the Great Lakes Loons at 7 p.m. Thursday at Fifth Third Field.
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Lodolo, the seventh overall pick and first pitcher drafted, was 0-1 with a 2.38 ERA in six starts with Billings (Mont.) in the Pioneer League. He pitched 11 1/3 innings and struck out 21.
Lodolo will become the 18th first-round pick to play for the Dragons.
The Dragons are 42-57 and 14-15 in the second half. They beat Beloit 9-1 on Monday at Fifth Third Field.