By Andrew Wright
Copyright newsweek
With the collapse from the New York Mets, the Cincinnati Reds were able to sneak into the playoffs, despite winning just 83 games.
They’ll travel out west to take on the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in one of two NL wild card series. In what has the potential to be a series full of outstanding pitching, the starting pitchers in Game 1 for both teams have been revealed.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 25: Hunter Greene #21 of the Cincinnati Reds throws a pitch during the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on August 25, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
For the Reds, it’ll be their ace, right-hander Hunter Greene. When healthy this season, Greene has been among the best pitchers in the league. In 19 starts, he posted a 2.76 ERA with 132 strikeouts in 107 2/3 innings. Just two starts ago, Greene threw a complete-game shutout against the Chicago Cubs to put Cincinnati in position for a playoff berth.
For the Dodgers, they’ll turn to two-time Cy Young winner, left-hander Blake Snell. Much like Greene, Snell has dealt with injuries throughout the season, but he’s been solid when on the field. Snell has made 11 starts, posting a 2.35 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings this season.
The two pitchers have combined for 34 innings in their last five starts, and they’ve allowed a total of just three earned runs. A pitcher’s duel in Game 1 between Cincinnati and Los Angeles is definitely what will be expected.
Neither team has announced a starter for Game 2, but it may very well be left-hander Nick Lodolo going for the Reds while the Dodgers will counter with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Shohei Ohtani will pitch in Game 3, if necessary.
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