In a whirlwind NL Wild Card series that wrapped up faster than anyone anticipated, the Los Angeles Dodgers dispatched the Cincinnati Reds with a decisive 2-0 sweep, clinching their spot in the Division Series. Game 1 on Tuesday night saw the Dodgers erupt for a 10-5 victory, powered by a barrage of home runs that left Dodger Stadium buzzing. Shohei Ohtani's two-run blast in the third inning set the tone, but it was the depth of the lineup that truly overwhelmed Cincinnati's pitching staff.
Enrique Hernandez proved pivotal once again, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs, his clutch hitting a reminder of why he's such a postseason wildcard for LA. Austin Hays, slotted into the outfield mix, contributed with a solo homer that added to the Dodgers' eight total extra-base hits. On the mound, the Dodgers' bullpen held firm after starter Blake Snell navigated early trouble, allowing just two earned runs over five innings. Indeed, the relief corps—featuring Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol—shut down the Reds' late rally, striking out five in the final frames.
For the Reds, it was a tale of what-ifs. Nick Lodolo, their ace, labored through 4.2 innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits, including back-to-back doubles from Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernandez that plated three. Spencer Steer fought valiantly at the plate, notching two hits and driving in a pair, but Cincinnati's offense fizzled after an early 3-0 lead, managing only two more runs against LA's deep rotation. Zack Littell, called up for spot duty, didn't factor in this series, but the Reds' pitching depth was tested harshly overall.
Game 2 on Wednesday was even more lopsided, with the Dodgers winning 6-2 behind strong outings from their starters and timely hits. Predictions had favored LA heavily—oddsmakers pegged them as -200 favorites entering the series—but the Reds' youthful spark, led by Elly De La Cruz's speed, hinted at upset potential that never fully materialized. However, Cincinnati's bullpen faltered, posting an ERA north of 5.00 across both contests.
Zach Littell's name surfaced in pre-series chatter as a potential Reds reliever, yet injuries sidelined him, forcing manager David Bell to lean on others who couldn't stem the tide. The sweep underscores LA's dominance as defending champs, blending star power with gritty execution. As the Dodgers now eye a potential rematch with Philadelphia, one wonders if this early exit will fuel the Reds' fire for a deeper 2026 run.