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Cincinnati (83-79) at LA Dodgers (93-69)
- When: Sep 30 2025, 9:08 PM
- Where: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- Where to watch: ESPN
Cincinnati vs LA Dodgers MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: LA Dodgers -200
Spread: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+108)
Total: 7.0
Los Angeles Dodgers: Hollywood Stars or Hollywood Drama?
The Dodgers have been the NL West landlords for over a decade, and once again they show up to October baseball with the rent already paid. But here’s the twist: despite 12 division crowns in 13 seasons, they’re stuck in the Wild Card round for the first time since 2021. Talk about rich people problems.
Blake Snell gets the ball in Game 1. You might remember him from things like “Cy Young Winner” and “That Guy Who Threw a No-Hitter Against the Reds.” Now, he’s the Dodgers’ chess piece, ready to outmaneuver a scrappy Cincinnati lineup. Snell insists “a lot has changed” since his last run-in with the Reds. Fair enough though, Cincinnati’s hitters still probably flinch when they hear his name.
Offensively, Shohei Ohtani is basically Thanos with a bat, putting up 55 homers and an OPS over 1.000. Mookie Betts had his worst statistical season, which for him means only slightly disappointing compared to his MVP standards. And Max Muncy returns from soreness, because apparently the Dodgers collect injuries like they collect All-Star jerseys.
The only real concern? That bullpen. Their ERA is uglier than the Yankees’ relievers, which is like being told you sing worse than your drunk uncle on karaoke night.
Cincinnati Reds: Underdogs With Bite (Sometimes)
Cincinnati, bless their hearts, hasn’t won a playoff game since 2012. That’s over a decade of sad Octobers. But they’re back, baby, barely sneaking in thanks to the Mets collapsing like a Jenga tower at a toddler’s birthday party.
Hunter Greene gets the start in front of his hometown crowd, which sounds romantic until you remember his 1-3 career record against the Dodgers. The Reds’ bullpen, however, has been sneaky good, featuring Emilio Pagan’s 32 saves and Tony Santillan quietly shutting doors.
The problem? Their offense ranks 10th in the NL in OPS. That’s like showing up to a Ferrari race with a scooter. Sure, scooters are fun, but Ohtani isn’t losing to a Vespa.
Prediction & Gambling Angle
The Dodgers are too loaded, even with a shaky bullpen. Snell should keep the Reds quiet, and Ohtani probably terrorizes the outfield seats at least once. Cincinnati will fight, but it’s like shadowboxing Godzilla.
Score Prediction: Dodgers 5, Reds 3
Pick: LA Dodgers -1.5 (+108)
Total: Over 7.0 (-112)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
