Dodgers Sweep Reds 8-4 in Wild Card Game 2, Set Up NLDS vs Phillies

When Los Angeles Dodgers thumped the Cincinnati Reds 8‑4 on October 1, 2025, the city’s iconic Dodger Stadium erupted into a sea of blue‑white cheers. The victory sealed a 2‑0 sweep in the National League Wild Card SeriesDodger Stadium, propelling the defending champions straight to a National League Division Series clash with the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

How the matchup unfolded

Both clubs entered the series with contrasting narratives. The Dodgers, fresh off a 2024 World Series win, had leaned heavily on a deep rotation anchored by rookie sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Reds, meanwhile, were fighting to extend a postseason drought that has lingered since 2020. Game 1 saw Blake Snell deliver seven solid innings, giving L.A. a 5‑2 edge that set the tone. The question on everyone’s mind was whether the Dodgers could close the door without exposing their bullpen in a high‑stakes Game 2.

Yamamoto’s masterclass on the mound

Yamamoto, the Japanese right‑hander signed to a five‑year deal in 2023, shouldered the responsibility with a career‑high 113 pitches over 6.2 innings. He navigated a hair‑raising bases‑loaded, no‑outs jam in the sixth by striking out two and inducing a ground‑ball double play. "I just trusted my stuff and the catcher's framing," Yamamoto said in the post‑game interview. He exited after recording the first two outs of the seventh, earning a standing ovation from a crowd that knew they’d just watched a future ace cement his status.

Key offensive moments that tipped the scales

The fourth inning turned into a mini‑showcase for the Dodgers’ heavy hitters. With two on and one out, Shohei Ohtani lifted a fly toward right‑center that was snagged by Austin Hayes. The out allowed a runner to advance to third, setting the board for Mookie Betts. Betts responded with a towering fly to short‑center that was also caught, preserving the 3‑2 lead but underscoring the Dodgers’ ability to generate pressure in clutch spots.

Rounding out the win: bullpen and defense

After Yamamoto’s departure, Roki Sasaki took the reins for the final three innings. He fanned two and walked none, sealing the 8‑4 triumph. The Reds’ last out came when an soft liner from Austin Hayes was snared by Betts at shortstop – a poetic ending that highlighted L.A.’s defensive prowess. In total, the Dodgers recorded 12 hits, drove in eight runs, and limited Cincinnati to just one home run, a stark contrast to the Reds’ modest offensive output.

Dave Roberts’ ‘trust tree’ strategy pays off

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has often talked about his “trust tree of arms,” a hierarchy that ranks his starters by reliability. By electing to start Yamamoto in the elimination game, Roberts showed confidence in his top branch rather than burning through the bullpen. "When you have a guy who can get out of jams like that, you let him lead," Roberts explained. His decision not only preserved the bullpen for the NLDS but also underscored a broader philosophy of letting the rotation dictate the series’ rhythm.

What’s next: NLDS preview

The Dodgers now turn their attention to the Philadelphia Phillies, who earned their NLDS berth by sweeping the Miami Marlins in a separate Wild Card clash. The series is set to begin Saturday at Citizens Bank Park, with Game 1 slated for 7:05 p.m. Eastern. Analysts point to the Dodgers’ depth at both ends as a decisive factor, but the Phillies boast a veteran pitching staff led by Zack Wheeler and a potent offense anchored by Bryce Harper. The matchup will likely hinge on whether L.A.’s rotation can stay healthy and whether the Phillies can neutralize the Dodgers’ early‑inning firepower.

Historical context: The significance of a sweep

This marks the Dodgers’ first Wild Card Series sweep since MLB adopted the best‑of‑three format in 2022. It’s also the fourth time in franchise history that a defending World Series champion has advanced past the first round without dropping a game. The latter feat was last seen with the 2015 Kansas City Royals. For Cincinnati, the loss extends a postseason slump that now stretches over five seasons, prompting front‑office chatter about a possible roster overhaul.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this sweep affect the Reds' future plans?<\/h3>

The early exit forces Cincinnati to reassess its roster construction, especially its lack of power hitting. Expect the front office to explore trade options for a middle‑of‑order bat and to consider bolstering the bullpen, which struggled to contain the Dodgers' late‑inning rallies.<\/p>

What advantage does the Dodgers gain heading into the NLDS?<\/h3>

Beyond the morale boost of a sweep, L.A. preserves its bullpen arms for the six‑game series against Philadelphia. The rotation, highlighted by Yamamoto’s clutch performance, enters the NLDS with confidence and limited fatigue, a rare luxury in postseason baseball.<\/p>

Who were the standout performers in Game 2?<\/h3>

Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s 6.2‑inning gem and Roki Sasaki’s clean closing spell stood out on the mound. Offensively, Shohei Ohtani’s timely fly and Mookie Betts’ glove‑saving play were crucial, while the collective batting lineup’s eight runs underscored the Dodgers’ depth.<\/p>

When does the NLDS start and where will the first game be played?<\/h3>

Game 1 of the National League Division Series is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Kick‑off is set for 7:05 p.m. Eastern time.<\/p>

What does this win mean for the Dodgers' quest to repeat as champions?<\/h3>

By sweeping the Reds, the Dodgers keep their championship momentum alive and avoid the wear‑and‑tear of a longer series. If the rotation stays healthy and the offense remains prolific, L.A. positions itself as one of the few teams with a realistic shot at back‑to‑back titles.<\/p>