In a display of raw power that felt almost inevitable for this Dodgers lineup, Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández each launched two home runs Tuesday night, propelling Los Angeles to a 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series. The win at Dodger Stadium wasn't without its tense moments, though—the bullpen, a lingering concern all season, wobbled late but held just enough to secure the outcome.
Ohtani wasted no time, crushing a leadoff homer in the first inning off Reds starter Hunter Greene, setting the tone early. Indeed, it was that kind of night for the Dodgers' stars. Hernández followed suit with a two-run shot in the third, then added another in the sixth, his bat speed turning what could have been a pitchers' duel into a home run derby. Ohtani's second came in the eighth, a towering blast that pushed the lead to 9-5. Four homers from the top of the order alone accounted for eight runs, underscoring why Los Angeles entered the playoffs as heavy favorites despite injury hurdles throughout the year.
However, the Reds clawed back, capitalizing on Dodgers relievers who allowed five runs over the final four innings. Greene lasted only 2 2/3 innings, tagged for four earned runs, but Cincinnati's offense showed fight with RBI singles and a homer from Elly De La Cruz. Still, the Dodgers' depth shone through; Blake Snell, making a spot start, struck out nine in seven innings, keeping the game from slipping away entirely. It was a reminder of the vulnerabilities that have plagued this team—no lead feels truly safe until the final out.
Moreover, this performance reignited talk of the Dodgers' postseason potential, especially with Ohtani back to full form after his elbow surgery. Hernández, ever the quiet enforcer in the lineup, proved his worth beyond the regular season's 30-plus homers. Yet, as Game 2 looms Wednesday evening, questions linger about the pitching staff's reliability under playoff pressure.
With one win in hand, the Dodgers eye a sweep, but baseball's unpredictability ensures nothing is guaranteed—what adjustments will Cincinnati make to counter this offensive juggernaut?