Dodgers Dominate Reds in Postseason Opener with 10-5 Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers opened their 2025 postseason with a commanding 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Dodger Stadium. Powered by a five-home-run barrage and a stellar outing from ace Blake Snell, Los Angeles took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, moving one step closer to advancing in the playoffs. Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández each homered twice, while Tommy Edman added another, highlighting the Dodgers’ offensive firepower in a game broadcast nationally on ESPN. The Dodgers wasted no time, with Shohei Ohtani launching a leadoff home run in the first inning off Reds starter Hunter Greene. Ohtani’s blast, measured at 375 feet with a 117.7-mph exit velocity, set the tone for the Dodgers’ relentless attack. By the end of the third inning, Los Angeles had built a 5-0 lead, thanks to a three-run homer by Teoscar Hernández and a solo shot by Tommy Edman, both coming off Greene, who lasted just three innings and surrendered five earned runs. Blake Snell, making his postseason debut for Los Angeles after signing a five-year, $182 million deal in the offseason, delivered a dominant performance. The left-hander allowed just two earned runs and four hits over seven innings, striking out nine and walking only one. Snell’s control and ability to pitch deep into the game provided a much-needed boost to a Dodgers bullpen that has struggled with consistency in recent weeks, as highlighted in Los Angeles Times coverage. The Reds, who secured their first full-season postseason berth since 2013 after a late-season surge, struggled to contain the Dodgers’ offense. Teoscar Hernández continued his postseason heroics, hitting his second home run in the fifth inning, while Ohtani followed with a 454-foot two-run shot in the sixth, marking his second homer of the game and fifth for Los Angeles on the night. The Dodgers’ top of the lineup, featuring Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, proved too much for Cincinnati’s pitching staff. Despite a late push by the Reds, capitalizing on wildness from the Dodgers’ bullpen to score three runs in the eighth inning, Los Angeles maintained control. The Dodgers’ relievers, including Alex Vesia and Jack Dreyer, combined to limit further damage, and Blake Treinen closed out the ninth with two strikeouts. For Cincinnati, the offense showed flashes, with Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson contributing RBIs in the later innings. However, the Reds were ultimately outmatched by the Dodgers’ potent attack and Snell’s command on the mound. The Dodgers’ victory was especially significant given the team’s recent postseason disappointments and their drive to return to World Series contention, as discussed by manager Dave Roberts and players in pregame interviews. The energy at Dodger Stadium reflected the sense of urgency and hunger for another championship run. Looking ahead, the Dodgers will try to clinch the series in Game 2, while the Reds aim to bounce back and force a decisive third game. With the Dodgers’ lineup firing on all cylinders and their ace pitching as advertised, Los Angeles appears well-positioned to advance, but as October baseball has shown, surprises are always possible. For full stats, highlights, and live coverage, fans can visit ESPN’s game center or follow the Dodgers’ official social media for updates.