The Los Angeles Dodgers punched their ticket to the National League Division Series with a convincing 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in Tuesday's Wild Card Game 1, setting up a highly anticipated rematch against the Philadelphia Phillies. Blake Snell delivered a strong postseason debut for the Dodgers, tossing seven innings while allowing just two runs, and the offense exploded with five home runs, including two each from Teoscar Hernández and Shohei Ohtani. Indeed, this win not only advanced the defending World Series champions but also reignited a rivalry that's simmered since their epic 2022 NLDS clash.
Now, the Phillies, who earned a bye as the No. 2 seed with a 95-67 regular-season record, will host the Dodgers for Game 1 on Saturday, October 4, at Citizens Bank Park. The series, a best-of-five affair, kicks off at approximately 7 p.m. ET, though exact start times could shift based on broadcast schedules. Game 2 follows Monday, October 6, also in Philadelphia, before the series potentially heads west to Dodger Stadium for Games 3 and 4 on Wednesday and Thursday, October 8 and 9. If necessary, Game 5 would wrap things up on Saturday, October 11.
However, the Phillies' path here wasn't without drama; they clinched the NL East but stumbled in their final regular-season games, losing three of four to end on a sour note. Yesterday's MLB slate was light, with no other playoff implications, but today's focus turns squarely to preparation. The Dodgers, meanwhile, boast a star-studded lineup that's already proven potent in October, though injuries and fatigue could play a role after their quick Wild Card dispatch.
Moreover, pitching matchups remain under wraps, but expect aces like Zack Wheeler for Philly and perhaps Yoshinobu Yamamoto for LA to anchor the early games. This series promises fireworks, given both teams' firepower and history of tight contests. But as the first pitch approaches, one can't help but wonder how these powerhouses will navigate the pressure of Red October once again.