The Los Angeles Dodgers team photo after defeating the Cincinnati Reds in game two of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium.Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Dodgers Crush Reds 18-9 In Two Game Sweep Of NL Wild Card Round

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Howe Fresh | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 11:45 AM ET

MLB fans finally have the first winner of a series in the National League. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds faced off in a best two-out-of-three series, which concluded last night. Could the powerhouse in blue fight off its pesky red opponents?

Dodgers Vs. Reds – Game Two

After blowing out the Reds 10-5 in the series opener, the rich powerhouse of the west finished the two-game sweep last night with a decisive 8-4 victory at home. Cincinnati did well to make the postseason, but they had little chance against this stacked Dodgers team. Even with three errors against, the home team put the challengers in their place.

Dodgers’ shortstop Mookie Betts led the team in Game Two, racking up four hits and three RBI. Starting Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched six and two-thirds innings, which included nine strikeouts and just two earned runs against. Most of the Reds’ runs were unearned in this one. MLB reports on players’ comments after the game.

“As a starting pitcher, my job is getting as deep into the game as possible,” Yamamoto said through interpreter Yoshihiro Sonoda. “And today I was just trying to bring my everything out there.”

The reports also mention a statement from Dodgers manager David Roberts. “I think we can win it all. I think we’re equipped to do that,” Roberts said. “We certainly have the pedigree. We certainly have the hunger. We’re playing great baseball. And in all honesty, I don’t care who we play. I just want to be the last team standing.”

Click here for all the best MLB writers on Stadium Rant.

End Of My Dodgers Rant

The defending World Series winner has earned a few extra days off via this sweep. The next step of their 2025-26 postseason journey takes them to Philadelphia to take on the Phillies. Could the time off help their top-ten pitching staff ward off the potent bats of the Dodgers, or is all of their money and power too much to overcome?

Fresh Takes Sports Podcast Tues 8 PM ET Live Here | Stadium Rant Articles by Howe Fresh | The Real Fresh Channel On X Here

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: