Los Angeles — The buzz of greatness was felt throughout Dodger Stadium tonight: Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández each hit two home runs, while Blake Snell tossed seven runs with nine strikeouts — helping the Dodgers crush the Reds 10-5 in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card series.
At home, the fans were roaring as the Dodgers bombarded the Reds with five homers — tying the organization’s postseason record.
Ohtani didn’t hesitate: he hit a leadoff hit on a 100.4 mph fastball from Hunter Greene, which came in at 117.7 mpg — the fastest homer of his MLB career. He didn’t stop there, adding a 454-foot deep shot in the sixth against a backup pitcher.
Hernández, for his part, also brought a double-whammy, extending the Dodgers’ lead from the start.
Blake Snell stepped up his game in his postseason return, striking out the first eight batters and holding the lead close to the seventh — allowing just two runs and four hits along the way.
His staying power allowed the coaching staff to stay out of the bullpen as long as possible — a valuable asset given the Dodgers’ backup pitching woes.
The Reds did get a couple of late-game shakeups: two runs scored in the seventh from Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson.
However, the initial pitching woes locked the Reds into the underdog position. Hunter Greene’s early break: 3 runs, 5 runs in the postseason opener that looked like a chance for glory.
Despite a deep lead, the Dodgers’ bullpen was still reeling in the 8th as the Reds “batted around” and scored 3 runs — thanks to four consecutive walks from Alex Vesia, Edgardo Henriquez, and Jack Dreyer.
The big question: Can the Dodgers keep this explosive form throughout the series, as their opponents switch tactics?
The Reds are doubtful about selecting Greene for Game 1 — any mistakes are severely punished in the playoffs.
With tonight’s blow, the Dodgers dealt a huge blow to their opponents’ morale and put one foot on the NLDS berth. But the real challenge is just beginning: maintaining performance, handling the bullpen when challenged, and preventing the Reds from “turning the wheel.”
Looking ahead, Game 2 will determine whether this series is a walk-off or a real battle. The Dodgers sent a message — but will the Reds respond or let it become an echo in the night?
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