LOS ANGELES – If the Cincinnati Reds wanted to prove they belong in October, their first test against the Dodgers showed just how much work still lies ahead.
The Reds looked out of sync in a 7-0 blowout loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on August 25, leaving them 2.5 games behind the New York Mets in the National League wild-card chase.
Just three days ago, they were only half a game back.
Now, with 30 games left, the Reds face an uphill battle.
🥊 Reds vs. Dodgers: A Playoff-Style Beatdown
From the very start, the Dodgers dominated.
- The Reds had only one hit in the first six innings.
- They committed two errors on a single play.
- Starter Hunter Greene gave up two home runs and never looked fully in control.
The night felt like a playoff game atmosphere, with nearly 50,000 fans in Dodger Stadium. Big names filled the stands — from Korean superstar V throwing the first pitch to Hollywood actors Jason Bateman and Jeremy Allen White cheering behind the Reds’ dugout.
But the Reds didn’t match the energy.
📉 NL Wild Card Picture
The Reds’ loss, combined with a Mets win over the Phillies, dropped Cincinnati further in the standings.
- Record on road trip: 3-4, losing four of the last five.
- Upcoming schedule: More pressure ahead with series against the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Mets, and Padres.
Manager Terry Francona admitted Greene was “a little over-amped,” pointing to two hanging breaking balls that cost him dearly.
🎯 Hunter Greene’s Struggles
Greene, pitching in his hometown, lasted into the sixth inning but gave up:
- 3 earned runs (matching his total from his last two starts combined).
- 2 home runs to Andy Pages.
- A double to Freddie Freeman and a walk to Will Smith before being pulled.
In his first two starts after a groin injury, Greene was sharp with a 2.19 ERA, 21 strikeouts, and no walks. But against the Dodgers, he struck out just three and walked two.
😬 Fielding Errors Cost Reds Big
Things fell apart in the sixth inning when Scott Barlow nearly escaped a jam, only for Elly De La Cruz to let a ground ball slip through for a two-run error.
Moments later, left fielder Austin Hays overthrew the catcher, allowing more runners to advance.
What could have been a 3-0 deficit quickly turned into 5-0.
The Dodgers piled on with a Mookie Betts homer in the seventh and another run in the eighth.
🔮 What’s Next for the Reds?
If the Reds can rally and pass the Mets, they may have to face the Dodgers again in the postseason — right back at Dodger Stadium.
For Greene and the Reds, that rematch will only be meaningful if they find a way to finish strong over the next 30 games.
📌 Table of Sources
| Source | Link |
|---|---|
| MLB Official Standings | mlb.com/standings |
| Cincinnati Reds Official Site | reds.com |
| Los Angeles Dodgers Official Site | dodgers.com |
| ESPN Baseball Coverage | espn.com/mlb |
| Baseball Reference Stats | baseball-reference.com |
This article is written by Devraj Patil. For queries, feedback, or collaborations, you can reach me at Dpatil@aavaz.in or connect via my Facebook page.
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