Overview
The Cincinnati Reds take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second game of a three-game series on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at 7:10 PM PDT (10:10 PM EDT) at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The sports card and web sources confirm the game time and network (MLBN). The Dodgers won the series opener 8-6 on August 25, with Shohei Ohtani’s homer and Will Smith’s 2 RBI outpacing Elly De La Cruz’s two-run shot. The Reds lead the 2025 season series 3-2, including a 5-2 win on July 30. This NL matchup is critical for the Dodgers to extend their NL West lead and for the Reds to even the series in their wild card push. 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 25): 68-63, 3rd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Reds are 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.5 runs/game with a .256 batting average and a 3.13 ERA. Elly De La Cruz’s .275 BA and 19 HRs lead the offense, but injuries to Tyler Stephenson (C, thumb), Nick Lodolo (SP, finger), and Ian Gibaut (RP, shoulder) test their depth.
- Strengths: Power hitting (128 HRs, 9th in NL) and a strong pitching staff (3.13 ERA in last 10 games).
- Weaknesses: Mediocre road record (32-34) and a 4-6 record against the spread in their last 10 games.
- Player to Watch: Elly De La Cruz (SS) – His .275 BA (team-high), 19 HRs (57th in MLB), 77 RBI (21st in MLB), and .286 BA with a homer in his last 5 games make him a dynamic threat.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2025 Record (as of August 25): 74-57, 1st in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.6 runs/game with a .228 batting average and a 3.76 ERA. Shohei Ohtani’s 45 HRs and Freddie Freeman’s .305 BA lead the offense, but injuries to Nestor Cortes (SP, elbow) and Tyler Glasnow (SP, elbow) challenge their rotation.
- Strengths: Elite offense (5.2 runs/game, 1st in MLB) and a strong home record (41-24).
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent hitting (.228 BA in last 10 games) and bullpen depth issues without key relievers.
- Player to Watch: Shohei Ohtani (DH) – His .280 BA, 45 HRs (1st in MLB), 84 RBI (12th in MLB), and .275 BA with 6 HRs in his last 10 games make him a game-changer.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Reds lead the 2025 season series 3-2, with wins including a 5-2 victory on July 30 (Nick Martinez’s 6 innings) and a 4-1 win on May 26, 2024 (Jonathan India’s 2 RBI). The Dodgers won 5-2 on July 28 and 8-6 on August 25, with Ohtani’s homer.
- Recent Encounter: On August 25, the Dodgers won 8-6, with Ohtani’s homer and Smith’s 2 RBI overcoming De La Cruz’s two-run shot.
- Key Insight: The Reds’ pitching has kept games close, but the Dodgers’ power bats thrive at home, especially against Cincinnati’s depleted rotation.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Nick Martinez (RHP) | 6-6 | 3.25 | 141.1 | 114 | 1.10 |
| Dodgers | Clayton Kershaw (LHP) | 7-3 | 2.56 | 80.2 | 65 | 1.16 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Nick Martinez (Reds):
- Strengths: Strong 3.25 ERA, 7.3 K/9, and a 2.00 ERA in his last 3 starts (18 IP, 4 ER). His no-decision vs. the Dodgers on July 30 (6 IP, 2 ER, 7 K) shows his ability to handle their lineup.
- Negatives: Limited innings (5.2 per start) and a 3.60 ERA on the road could be targeted by Ohtani and Freeman’s power.
- Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers):
- Strengths: Elite 2.56 ERA, 7.3 K/9, and a 1.90 ERA in August (23.2 IP, 5 ER), including 7 K in 5 innings vs. the Cardinals on June 8. His fastball-slider mix thrives at home (2.10 ERA).
- Negatives: Recent shoulder concerns and a 4.50 ERA in 2 starts vs. the Reds this season could be exploited by De La Cruz’s speed and power.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Reds:
- Los Angeles Dodgers:
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Reds: At 68-63, the Reds are 5-5 in their last 10, scoring 45 runs while allowing 40, with their pitching staff solid (3.13 ERA) but offense inconsistent on the road.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: At 74-57, the Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 46 runs and allowing 32, with their offense struggling (.228 BA) but home strength intact (41-24).
Critical Factors
- Venue: Dodger Stadium’s neutral dimensions (4.00 park ERA) favor the Dodgers’ power bats like Ohtani, though De La Cruz’s speed and power can shine.
- Weather: Forecasted at 76°F with clear skies, ideal for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Dodgers’ three-game home win streak and 6-4 run contrast with the Reds’ 5-5 record and 32-34 road performance.
- Betting Odds: Dodgers favored at -142, with over/under at 8.5, reflecting their home edge and Kershaw’s dominance.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a slight edge in this matchup, driven by Clayton Kershaw’s 2.56 ERA and home dominance (2.10 ERA) compared to Nick Martinez’s 3.25 ERA and shorter outings. The Reds’ offense, led by De La Cruz and Steer, could exploit Kershaw’s struggles against them (4.50 ERA), but the Dodgers’ lineup, sparked by Ohtani and Freeman, should overpower Martinez. Los Angeles’ bullpen, with Evan Phillips, will likely secure the win to clinch the series.
Final Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers win, 6-4. Ohtani drives in 2 runs, and Kershaw pitches six quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-142) – Kershaw’s home edge and the Dodgers’ offense make them a strong pick.
- Over 8.5 Runs (-116) – Dodger Stadium’s neutral setup and both teams’ power suggest a high-scoring game.
- Shohei Ohtani to Record an RBI (+105) – His 45 HRs and recent form offer strong value against Martinez.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 25, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on MLBN, as noted in the sports card above.
