In a matchup that had playoff buzz written all over it, the Los Angeles Dodgers powered past the Cincinnati Reds 10-5 in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series on Tuesday night. The Dodgers' offense erupted early, smashing four home runs to set the tone at Dodger Stadium. It was a reminder of why they're perennial contenders, though the Reds showed some fight late, clawing back a few runs that kept things from turning into a total rout.
Enrique Hernandez was the hero of the night for LA, going 3-for-4 with a towering two-run homer in the third that chased Reds starter Nick Lodolo from the mound. Lodolo, making his postseason debut, struggled mightily, surrendering five runs on seven hits in just 4.1 innings—his command simply wasn't there against the Dodgers' patient lineup. Over on the other side, Austin Hays contributed with a solo shot for the Dodgers, adding to the barrage that overwhelmed Cincinnati's bullpen. For the Reds, Spencer Steer managed a double and drove in a run, but it wasn't enough to stem the tide; the team's bats went quiet after an initial spark.
Now, all eyes turn to Game 2 on Wednesday, where the Dodgers send Zack Littell to the hill against Cincinnati's Hunter Greene. Littell, acquired midseason, has been a steady presence with a 3.45 ERA over his last 10 starts, but facing a Reds squad desperate for a win could test him. Predictions lean heavily toward LA, with oddsmakers installing them as -180 favorites—yet the Reds' speed and young arms like Greene might flip the script if they capitalize on Dodger miscues. Indeed, Cincinnati's 8-12 record in their last 20 against LA suggests this series isn't over, even if the Dodgers look dominant.
However, the real story here might be how these Wild Card games expose vulnerabilities; the Dodgers' pitching depth has been questioned all year, and a Reds upset wouldn't shock anyone who's followed their gritty September surge. Moreover, players like Steer and Elly De La Cruz could ignite if given an opening.
As the series heads into its pivotal second act, one can't help but wonder if Cincinnati's underdog fire will finally burn bright enough to extend their stay in October.