The Los Angeles Dodgers wasted no time asserting dominance in the NL Wild Card series, pounding the Cincinnati Reds 10-5 in Game 1 on Tuesday night. It was a display of raw power that left little room for doubt about the Dodgers' postseason pedigree. Shohei Ohtani, of course, led the charge with his signature flair, but it was the depth of the lineup that truly overwhelmed a gritty but outmatched Reds squad.
Enrique Hernandez stepped up big, ripping a three-run homer in the fourth inning that ballooned the lead to 7-2. Austin Hays contributed with a timely double, driving in two more runs and showcasing why the Dodgers' bench remains a weapon even in October. On the mound, the Dodgers' bullpen held firm after starter Blake Snell navigated early trouble, allowing just three earned runs over five innings. For the Reds, Nick Lodolo fought valiantly but faltered in the middle frames, surrendering seven runs on nine hits in a 4.2-inning stint—his fastball velocity dipping noticeably under the Dodger Stadium lights.
Spencer Steer provided a spark for Cincinnati, going 2-for-4 with a solo shot that briefly cut the deficit, but it wasn't enough against a Dodgers offense firing on all cylinders. Indeed, the visitors from Ohio managed only eight hits total, with their bullpen leaking oil late. Zack Littell, in relief, couldn't stem the tide, giving up two runs in his brief appearance—a reminder of how thin the margins can be in playoffs. The Reds' 8-12 record in their last 20 against LA underscores this lopsided history.
Heading into Game 2 on Wednesday, predictions lean heavily toward another Dodgers win, with odds favoring them at -180. However, Cincinnati's speed demons like Elly De La Cruz could flip the script if they steal bases and manufacture runs. The series feels all but wrapped, yet baseball's unpredictability lingers. Moreover, with the NLDS looming, the Dodgers' momentum builds, but at what cost to their rotation?
One can't help but wonder if the Reds' fightback spirit will finally break through in this high-stakes clash.