UPDATE: The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their postseason with a commanding 10-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Dodger Stadium on September 30, 2023. This win marks an urgent start to their playoff ambitions, as they aim for back-to-back World Series championships.
Playing in a best-of-three wild-card series, the Dodgers needed to hit the ground running after a challenging regular season. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of avoiding a slow start, stating, “I don’t see that as a problem.” And indeed, it was not.
Shohei Ohtani wasted no time, leading off the game with a home run against Reds starter Hunter Greene, setting the tone for the night. Blake Snell delivered a stellar performance, pitching seven innings and allowing just two runs while striking out nine.
The Dodgers exploded for five runs in the third inning, highlighted by Teoscar Hernández‘s three-run homer and a back-to-back shot from Tommy Edman, thrilling the crowd of 50,555 fans. The team matched a franchise postseason record with five home runs, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Despite a shaky bullpen performance in the later innings, where the Reds nearly capitalized on four walks, the Dodgers held on to secure the win. This game was a continuation of their momentum from a strong regular season finish of 15-5.
The Dodgers now stand just one win away from advancing, with Game 2 scheduled for Wednesday at 6:08 PM. Fans are eager to see if they can maintain their momentum and address the bullpen concerns that emerged during the game.
As October officially begins, the Dodgers are already on the path to defending their title, proving they are ready to compete at the highest level.
Stay tuned for further updates as the playoffs progress. The urgency is palpable—every game counts in their quest for another championship!
