The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off their three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds with a decisive 5-2 victory on Monday, July 28, 2025, at Great American Ball Park. This win snapped the Reds’ impressive four-game winning streak and marked a crucial start to the Dodgers’ nine-game road trip, as they look to rebound from a challenging July.
The Dodgers, now holding a 62-45 record, have struggled recently, posting an 8-13 record in July and losing two of three games against the Boston Red Sox over the weekend. In contrast, the Reds (56-51) had been on a hot streak, sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays and outscoring opponents 20-5 in their last four games. Cincinnati’s recent surge had propelled them to six games above .500 for the first time since the 2023 season, fueling playoff aspirations ahead of the trade deadline. Reds skipper Terry Francona, cautious about jinxing his team’s momentum, famously remarked, “I will never say that because the minute I say that, here come the Dodgers. That’s like the kiss of death,” after Sunday’s win over the Rays. (CBS Sports)
Game 1 Recap: Dodgers 5, Reds 2
The series opener saw a compelling pitching duel and timely hitting. Dodgers’ right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto (9-7) delivered a stellar performance, earning the win by allowing just one earned run on four hits over 7.0 innings, striking out nine and walking two. This outing marked a career-high 21 swings and misses for Yamamoto. (MLB.com)
For the Reds, rookie right-hander Chase Burns (0-3) took the loss despite an impressive 10-strikeout performance over 5.2 innings. Burns became only the second Reds pitcher in the last 125 years to record three consecutive starts with 10 or more strikeouts, joining Raisel Iglesias (2015). (MLB.com) However, he surrendered three earned runs on six hits, including a crucial two-run double to Shohei Ohtani in the fifth inning that broke a 1-1 tie. Blake Treinen and J. Dreyer closed out the game for the Dodgers, with Dreyer earning his 10th save. (ESPN)
Offensively, the Dodgers were led by Shohei Ohtani, who went 1-for-3 with a run scored and two RBIs, including his pivotal two-run double. Teoscar Hernández also had a strong night, collecting two RBIs with singles in the first and seventh innings. Freddie Freeman added an RBI single in the seventh. Mookie Betts contributed significantly from the leadoff spot, scoring three runs and hitting a double. (CBS Sports)
The Reds’ runs came from Gavin Lux’s RBI groundout in the first inning and Will Benson’s RBI single in the ninth. Elly De La Cruz continued to showcase his speed, recording his 29th stolen base of the season. (MLB.com)
Series Outlook and Key Players
The series continues on Tuesday, July 29, with the Dodgers sending Tyler Glasnow to the mound against the Reds’ Nick Lodolo. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on FDSOH and SportsNet LA. The final game of the series on Wednesday, July 30, will feature a highly anticipated matchup between Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani and Reds’ Nick Martinez, also at 7:10 p.m. ET, airing on MLBN. (Fox Sports, ESPN)
For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani remains a dominant force, leading the team with 38 home runs and 71 RBIs. He ranks second in MLB in slugging percentage and has hit safely in eight straight games. Will Smith boasts a team-best .324 batting average, while Andy Pages has contributed 19 home runs. (Fox Sports)
The Reds’ offense is anchored by Elly De La Cruz, who leads the team with 18 home runs and 67 RBIs, ranking 15th in RBIs across MLB. TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer are also key contributors to Cincinnati’s lineup. (Fox Sports)
Both teams are managing significant injury lists. The Dodgers recently activated Blake Treinen and recalled Justin Wrobleski, but still have key players like Blake Snell, Max Muncy, and Enrique Hernandez on the injured list. The Reds are without pitchers such as Ian Gibaut, Hunter Greene, and Wade Miley. (ESPN)
As the series progresses, the Reds will look to regain their winning form and continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Dodgers aim to solidify their position atop the NL West and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
