Game: Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Time: 9:08 PM EST
Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
TV: ESPN
Pitching Matchup:
- CIN: Hunter Greene, RHP (7-4, 2.76 ERA)
- LAD: Blake Snell, LHP
Moneyline Odds:
- Reds: +167
- Dodgers: -206
Playoff Preview: Greene and the Reds Look to Upset Snell and the Dodgers
The MLB postseason kicks off with a high-stakes Wild Card matchup as the Cincinnati Reds travel to Los Angeles to take on the defending World Series champion Dodgers. The Reds, entering as significant underdogs at +167, will send their young ace Hunter Greene to the mound in a bid to stun the powerhouse Dodgers. Los Angeles, favored at -206, counters with veteran left-hander and former Cy Young winner Blake Snell in what promises to be a tense pitcher’s duel.
Cincinnati Reds Outlook
The Reds have fought their way into the postseason and will rely heavily on their ace, Hunter Greene, to set the tone. Greene has been exceptional this season, posting a stellar 7-4 record with a 2.76 ERA. The hard-throwing righty has the kind of overpowering stuff that can silence even the most formidable lineups, a quality Cincinnati will desperately need against the Dodgers. While the Reds have navigated their own share of injuries throughout the 2025 campaign, they enter this win-or-go-home contest with their best arm on the hill, giving them a clear path to an upset victory.
Los Angeles Dodgers Outlook
The Dodgers are no strangers to the bright lights of October. As the defending champions, they have weathered a season marked by significant injuries to their pitching staff, including stints on the IL for Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Tyler Glasnow. Despite a depleted staff at times, they have once again proven their depth and resilience. For this critical first game, they turn to the veteran Blake Snell. While Snell’s high-strikeout, high-walk profile can lead to some volatility, his experience in big games is invaluable. Playing at home with the backing of a potent offense gives the Dodgers a considerable advantage as they begin their title defense.
Pitching Matchup & Prediction
This game features a classic showdown between a young flamethrower and a seasoned veteran. Hunter Greene’s sub-3.00 ERA suggests he is more than capable of shutting down the Dodgers’ offense and keeping the game close. If he can command his fastball and slider, the Reds have a fantastic chance.
On the other side, Blake Snell’s job is to manage the Reds’ lineup and hand the game over to the Dodgers’ bullpen with a lead. The Dodgers have proven they can win in multiple ways, but they are facing a true ace in Greene.
While the +167 odds on the Reds are tempting with Greene on the mound, the Dodgers’ playoff experience, home-field advantage, and deep lineup are difficult to bet against. This is expected to be a low-scoring, nail-biting affair that could easily be decided by a single mistake or a key hit. The Dodgers have the edge, but they will have to earn every bit of it against Greene.
Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 3, Cincinnati Reds 2
Sources:
Cincinnati Reds Injury Status – ESPN
Cincinnati Reds Injury Report and Status 2025 – CBSSports.com
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