Overview
The Cincinnati Reds face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first game of a three-game series on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:10 PM EDT at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The Reds are coming off a 7-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, while the Dodgers won 6-5 against the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers lead the 2025 season series 5-1, including a 7-2 rout on June 24. This NL matchup is critical for the Reds to challenge the Dodgers’ NL West dominance and for Los Angeles to maintain their division lead. Fans seeking a winning edge can rely on this expert preview, featuring player insights, pitching matchups, and a prediction—unlock more game-changing tips with our exclusive MLB strategies now!
Team Analysis
Cincinnati Reds
- 2025 Record (as of August 24): 62-68, 4th in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.6 runs/game with a .243 batting average and a 4.02 ERA. Elly De La Cruz’s .260 BA and 29 HRs lead the offense, but injuries to Hunter Greene (SP, elbow), Jonathan India (2B, knee), and TJ Friedl (CF, wrist) test their depth.
- Strengths: Speed and power (173 HRs, 8th in MLB; 112 SB, 2nd in MLB) and a 4-2 record as underdogs in their last 6 games.
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent pitching (4.02 ERA, 22nd in MLB) and a 29-36 road record.
- Player to Watch: Elly De La Cruz (SS) – His .260 BA, 29 HRs, 62 RBI, and .300 BA with 2 HRs in his last 5 games make him a dynamic threat.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2025 Record (as of August 24): 75-55, 1st in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Dodgers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 5.1 runs/game with a .256 batting average and a 3.95 ERA. Shohei Ohtani’s .330 BA and 44 HRs drive the offense, but injuries to Max Muncy (1B, oblique), Tommy Edman (CF, ankle), and Gavin Stone (SP, shoulder) challenge their roster.
- Strengths: Elite offense (.330 OBP, 3rd in MLB) and a 43-24 home record.
- Weaknesses: Depleted pitching staff (4.10 ERA in last 5 games) and a 5-5 record against the spread in their last 10.
- Player to Watch: Shohei Ohtani (DH) – His .330 BA, 44 HRs, 68 RBI, and .310 BA with 3 HRs in his last 5 games make him a game-changer.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Dodgers lead the 2025 season series 5-1, with a 7-2 win on June 24, driven by Ohtani’s homer and Mookie Betts’ 2 RBI. The Reds’ lone win came on June 23 (4-3, walk-off).
- Recent Encounter: On June 24, the Dodgers won 7-2, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto outpitching Hunter Greene and Freddie Freeman’s two-run double sealing the game.
- Key Insight: The Dodgers’ power bats and pitching have overwhelmed the Reds, who rely on De La Cruz’s speed and power to stay competitive.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Nick Martinez (RHP) | 7-7 | 3.65 | 135.2 | 108 | 1.18 |
| Dodgers | Walker Buehler (RHP) | 8-5 | 3.24 | 139.1 | 134 | 1.15 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Nick Martinez (Reds):
- Strengths: Solid 3.65 ERA, 7.2 K/9, and a 3.00 ERA in his last 3 starts (18 IP, 6 ER). His fastball-cutter mix limits hard contact (.225 BA allowed).
- Negatives: Struggles vs. power hitters (1.1 HR/9) could be exploited by Ohtani and Betts at hitter-friendly Dodger Stadium.
- Walker Buehler (Dodgers):
- Strengths: Strong 3.24 ERA, 8.7 K/9, and a 2.25 ERA in his last 3 starts (20 IP, 5 ER). His fastball-curveball combo is effective at home (2.80 ERA, 5-2 record).
- Negatives: Occasional command issues (2.8 BB/9) could be targeted by De La Cruz’s speed and Spencer Steer’s contact hitting.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Reds:
- Elly De La Cruz (SS): .260 BA, 29 HRs, .300 BA with 2 HRs in last 5 games.
- Spencer Steer (LF): .242 BA, 14 HRs, hitting .280 in last 7 games.
- Matt McLain (2B): .255 BA, 8 HRs, 2-for-4 with an RBI in the June 23 win.
- Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Shohei Ohtani (DH): .330 BA, 44 HRs, .310 BA with 3 HRs in last 5 games.
- Mookie Betts (RF): .285 BA, 15 HRs, 2-for-4 with a homer in Sunday’s win.
- Freddie Freeman (1B): .290 BA, 16 HRs, two-run double in the June 24 win.
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Reds: At 62-68, the Reds are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 46 runs while allowing 44, with their offense relying on De La Cruz’s spark but pitching inconsistent.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: At 75-55, the Dodgers are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 51 runs and allowing 42, with their offense thriving but pitching stretched thin.
Critical Factors
- Venue: Dodger Stadium’s neutral dimensions (4.00 park ERA) favor both teams’ power bats, especially Ohtani and De La Cruz.
- Weather: Forecasted at 75°F with clear skies, ideal for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Dodgers’ 5-1 series lead and home strength contrast with the Reds’ 5-5 run and road struggles.
- Betting Odds: Dodgers favored at -165, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting Buehler’s edge and offensive potential.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a clear edge in this matchup, driven by Walker Buehler’s 3.24 ERA and strong home performance compared to Nick Martinez’s 3.65 ERA and vulnerability to power hitters. The Reds’ speed and power, led by De La Cruz and Steer, could keep it close, but the Dodgers’ offense, sparked by Ohtani and Betts, should exploit Martinez’s weaknesses. Los Angeles’ bullpen, with Evan Phillips, will likely secure the win to start the series.
Final Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers win, 6-3. Ohtani hits a homer, and Buehler pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-165) – Buehler’s reliability and the Dodgers’ series dominance make them a strong pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs – Dodger Stadium’s neutral setup and Martinez’s HR tendencies suggest a high-scoring game.
- Shohei Ohtani to Record an RBI (+115) – His .330 BA and 44 HRs offer strong value against Martinez.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 24, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on SNLA or BSOH.
