The Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off a commanding 10-5 victory in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series, now turn their attention to Cincinnati's Zack Littell for what could be a decisive Game 2 on Wednesday night. Littell, the Reds' steady starter with a 3.72 ERA over 32 appearances this season, steps into the spotlight at Dodger Stadium, where the pressure is palpable. Indeed, after the Dodgers' home run barrage—led by Shohei Ohtani's two-shot night—exposed vulnerabilities in Cincinnati's pitching staff, Littell's experience against LA becomes a quiet talking point. He faced them once before in the regular season, allowing just two runs in five innings, but that was no playoffs.
Moreover, the matchup pits Littell against the Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose pinpoint control has Dodgers fans dreaming of another quick series wrap-up. Cincinnati, clinging to elimination fears, relies on Littell's ability to navigate a lineup that's mashed 15 homers in their last 10 games. Key stats show Littell holding lefties to a .245 average, which might trouble LA's switch-hitters, yet the Reds' offense sputtered in Game 1, managing only seven hits. Blake Snell, watching from the Dodgers' bullpen after his midseason trade, offers late-inning insurance if needed, adding another layer to this West Coast tilt.
However, the broadcast details are straightforward: catch the action on ESPN at 10:08 p.m. ET, or stream via MLB.tv for those unable to tune in traditionally. Predictions lean heavily toward LA, with betting odds listing the Dodgers as -180 favorites, but Cincinnati's underdog spirit—fueled by players like Edgardo Henriquez in relief—could spark an upset. Doug Glanville, commenting on ESPN, noted the Reds' resilience, saying their bullpen depth might just force a Game 3. Still, with the Dodgers' 102-win regular season behind them, this feels like momentum's one-way street.
In the end, as the series hangs in the balance, one can't help but wonder if Littell's poise will rewrite the script or merely delay the inevitable Dodgers advance.