Last Updated on August 26, 2025 6:41 am by Anthony Rome
As summer begins its slide toward September, the Cincinnati Reds (68–64) make the trip to Dodger Stadium to face the Los Angeles Dodgers (75–57), who sit atop the NL West and look to maintain their surge. The Dodgers are riding a four-game home winning streak and are hungry to solidify their standing in a crowded division. Meanwhile, the Reds remain hot on the Wild Card trail, just a game and a half back, and know a strong road showing could shift the balance of power.
Pitching Matchup: Martinez vs. Kershaw
On the mound for Cincinnati is Nick Martinez, sporting a 10–9 record and 4.59 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP, and has been effective recently—including a 7-strikeout, 6-inning, 2-run outing against these same Dodgers on July 30. Opposing him is Clayton Kershaw, a veteran legend who’s 8–2 this season with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. In four starts in August, he’s gone 4–0 with a sterling 1.90 ERA—bringing vintage form back to the South Side.
Team Trends & Heat Checks
The Dodgers are buoyed by a strong on-base percentage (.330), depth, and home-field advantage. The Reds, however, haven’t lost their bite—particularly when they’re swinging for the fences in multi-HR games.
What’s at Stake
For the Dodgers, keeping the momentum alive is critical. Every win cements their divisional hold—or potentially a first-round bye. For the Reds, every win brings playoff aspirations back into sharper focus. This series is about more than wins—it’s leverage, momentum, and postseason positioning.
Reds vs. Dodgers Betting Odds
According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Dodgers are -174 moneyline favorites to beat the Reds, who are +156 moneyline underdogs. The total, meanwhile, is sitting at 9 runs.
Reds vs. Dodgers Prediction
Expect a classic pitcher’s duel with offensive outbursts. Kershaw’s recent form and Dodger Stadium’s comfort suggest LA holds a subtle edge. But Martinez’s knack for suppressing big-league offenses keeps Cincinnati very much alive in this. I’m leaning:
Projected Final Score: Dodgers 4 – Reds 2, Total Under 9 Runs
The Dodgers’ blend of pitching, depth, and home dollars gives them the edge—but don’t sleep on Martinez and the Reds to make some noise.