LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers launched a historic offensive attack, hitting five home runs to defeat the Cincinnati Reds 7-2 in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on Wednesday at Dodger Stadium. The victory puts the Dodgers one win away from advancing to the NL Division Series.
the Dodgers’ power display, featuring long balls from Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, J.D. Martinez, and James Outman, marked only the sixth time in postseason history a team has hit five or more home runs in a single game. This dominant performance comes as the Dodgers aim to extend their postseason run and avoid the upset against a resilient Reds team making their first playoff appearance since 2012. Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday, where a Dodgers win would secure their advancement.
Blake Snell, acquired in a trade with the San Diego Padres, delivered a strong start for the Dodgers, pitching four innings and allowing two runs on four hits with six strikeouts. While Snell didn’t factor into the decision, his performance set the tone for the Dodgers’ explosive offense.
Mookie Betts ignited the scoring with a two-run home run in the first inning, followed by freddie Freeman’s solo shot in the second. Max Muncy added another solo home run in the third, extending the Dodgers’ lead. J.D. Martinez and James Outman each went deep later in the game, further solidifying the Dodgers’ advantage.
The Reds struggled to contain the Dodgers’ relentless attack. Despite a two-run home run by Matt McLain in the fourth inning, Cincinnati’s offense was largely silenced by the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Dodgers relievers where tested in the eighth inning, throwing 59 pitches – the most in a single playoff inning as at least 1988, according to ESPN Research – but managed to strand the bases loaded, preserving the lead. Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez, and Jack dreyer each faced challenges before Blake Treinen closed out the ninth inning.
“You can’t make it more than what it is,” Betts said. “It’s just a game. It’s still a game. Still got to go do the same thing. We’re not going to all of a sudden become Superman, do different things. Just have to play the same game.”
Historically,Game 1 winners in the Wild Card Series have been highly accomplished,advancing 18 of 20 times. the Dodgers will look to continue that trend in Game 2 and close out the series.
