Overview
The Cincinnati Reds take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of a three-game series on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8:40 PM EDT at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The sports card confirms the game time and networks (FDSNOH, SNLA, MLBN). The Dodgers dominated the series opener 7-0 on August 25, with Emmet Sheehan’s six scoreless innings and Mookie Betts’ two RBI, and won 6-3 on August 26, with Shohei Ohtani’s two-run homer and Clayton Kershaw’s quality start. The Dodgers lead the 2025 season series 4-1, including a 9-6 win on May 24. This interleague matchup is critical for the Reds (68-64, 3rd in NL Central) to avoid a sweep and stay in the wild card race, and for the Dodgers (75-57, 1st in NL West) to extend their four-game home winning streak. 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 26): 68-64, 3rd in NL Central
- Performance Overview: The Reds are 4-6 in their last 10 games, averaging 4.7 runs/game with a .238 batting average, .310 OBP, and .401 SLG, and a 3.66 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), Ian Gibaut (RP, shoulder), Wade Miley (SP, flexor), Rhett Lowder (SP, forearm), Carson Spiers (RP, shoulder), Tyler Callihan (LF, forearm), Brandon Williamson (SP, elbow), and Julian Aguiar (SP, elbow) weaken their roster.
- Strengths: Power hitting (27-8 when hitting two or more HRs) and a solid bullpen (Emilio Pagán’s 25 saves, 2.45 ERA).
- Weaknesses: Inconsistent road record (32-35) and recent offensive struggles (.238 BA in last 10 games).
- Player to Watch: Elly De La Cruz (SS) – His .275 BA, 19 HRs, 77 RBI, 31 stolen bases, and .286 BA in his last 5 games make him a dynamic threat.
Los Angeles Dodgers
- 2025 Record (as of August 26): 75-57, 1st in NL West
- Performance Overview: The Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, averaging 5.0 runs/game with a .239 batting average, .330 OBP, and .409 SLG, and a 3.55 ERA. Shohei Ohtani’s 45 HRs and Freddie Freeman’s .302 BA lead the offense, but injuries to Max Muncy (3B, oblique), Tommy Edman (2B, ankle), Hyeseong Kim (2B, shoulder), Michael Kopech (RP, knee), Roki Sasaki (SP, shoulder), Tony Gonsolin (SP, elbow), Evan Phillips (RP, forearm), Kyle Hurt (SP, elbow), Michael Grove (RP, shoulder), Brusdar Graterol (RP, shoulder), River Ryan (SP, elbow), and Gavin Stone (SP, shoulder) test their depth.
- Strengths: Elite offense (.769 OPS, 2nd in MLB), strong home record (42-24), and a reliable bullpen (Tanner Scott’s 19 saves).
- Weaknesses: Recent inconsistency (3-2 in last 5 games) and a depleted pitching staff.
- Player to Watch: Shohei Ohtani (DH) – His .280 BA, 45 HRs (2nd in MLB), 84 RBI, and two-run homer on August 26 make him a game-changer.
Head-to-Head Record
- Historical Context: The Dodgers lead the 2025 season series 4-1, with wins including a 7-0 shutout on August 25 (Sheehan’s six scoreless innings), a 6-3 win on August 26 (Ohtani’s two-run homer), and a 9-6 win on May 24. The Reds won 7-2 on May 16, with Nick Martinez’s strong outing. In 2024, the Reds won 4-3 overall.
- Recent Encounter: On August 26, the Dodgers won 6-3, with Ohtani’s two-run homer and Kershaw’s 5.2 innings outpacing Nick Martinez’s effort.
- Key Insight: The Dodgers’ home dominance (5-1 vs. Reds since 2024) and Ohtani’s power overwhelm the Reds’ pitching, though De La Cruz’s speed and power keep Cincinnati competitive.
Pitching Matchups Table
| Team | Pitcher | Record | ERA | Innings Pitched | Strikeouts | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | Hunter Greene (RHP) | 9-6 | 3.81 | 139.0 | 145 | 1.23 |
| Dodgers | Bobby Miller (RHP) | 5-4 | 4.26 | 95.0 | 78 | 1.30 |
Strengths and Negatives of Pitchers
- Hunter Greene (Reds):
- Strengths: Strong 9.4 K/9 and a 2.45 ERA in his last 3 starts (18.1 IP, 5 ER). His fastball-slider mix dominates (7 scoreless innings vs. Angels on August 21), and he had 7 strikeouts vs. the Dodgers on July 30.
- Negatives: A 4.15 road ERA and occasional control issues (3.0 BB/9) could be exploited by Ohtani and Freeman’s patience.
- Bobby Miller (Dodgers):
- Strengths: Decent 7.4 K/9 and a 3.00 ERA in his last home start (6 IP, 2 ER vs. Padres on August 19). His fastball-curveball mix limits hard contact (.250 BA allowed).
- Negatives: Inconsistent season (4.26 ERA) and a 5.40 ERA in his last 3 starts make him vulnerable to De La Cruz and Noelvi Marte’s power.
Key Players to Monitor
- Cincinnati Reds:
- Elly De La Cruz (SS): .275 BA, 19 HRs, 31 SB, .286 BA in last 5 games.
- Noelvi Marte (RF): .255 BA, 13-for-41 with 2 HRs in last 10 games.
- TJ Friedl (CF): .264 BA, 10 HRs, 61 walks.
- Los Angeles Dodgers:
- Shohei Ohtani (DH): .280 BA, 45 HRs, 2-run homer on August 26.
- Freddie Freeman (1B): .302 BA, 33 doubles, 18 HRs.
- Mookie Betts (SS): .248 BA, 13 HRs, 2 RBI on August 25.
Recent Performance
- Cincinnati Reds: At 68-64, the Reds are 4-6 in their last 10, scoring 47 runs while allowing 57, with their offense struggling (.238 BA) but pitching solid (3.66 ERA).
- Los Angeles Dodgers: At 75-57, the Dodgers are 6-4 in their last 10, scoring 50 runs and allowing 30, with their offense strong (.330 OBP) and pitching reliable (3.55 ERA).
Critical Factors
- Venue: Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly dimensions (3.80 park ERA) favor Greene’s strikeout ability, though Ohtani’s power can exploit gaps.
- Weather: Forecasted at 82°F with mostly sunny skies, ideal for a competitive game.
- Momentum: The Dodgers’ four-game home winning streak and 4-1 series lead contrast with the Reds’ 4-6 run and 32-35 road record.
- Betting Odds: Dodgers favored at -205, with over/under at 8.0, reflecting their home dominance and Greene’s road challenges.
Prediction
The Los Angeles Dodgers hold a slight edge in this matchup, driven by their home dominance (42-24) and Shohei Ohtani’s power against Hunter Greene’s 4.15 road ERA. Greene’s 9.4 K/9 and recent form (2.45 ERA in last 3 starts) could challenge the Dodgers’ lineup, but Bobby Miller’s home reliability and the Reds’ road struggles tilt the scales. The Dodgers’ bullpen, with Tanner Scott, will likely secure the win to complete the sweep.
Final Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers win, 5-3. Ohtani drives in 2 runs, and Miller pitches five quality innings.
Best Bets
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Dodgers (-205) – Their home record and offensive firepower make them a strong pick.
- Under 8.0 Runs (-105) – Dodger Stadium’s pitcher-friendly setup and Greene’s strikeout ability suggest a lower-scoring game.
- Shohei Ohtani to Record an RBI (+100) – His 45 HRs and recent form offer strong value against Greene.
This preview, based on the latest trends and stats as of August 26, 2025, delivers expert, trustworthy, and engaging content for MLB fans. Watch live on FDSNOH, SNLA, or MLBN, as noted in the sports card.
