By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Chicago Tribune
The Cincinnati Reds dropped Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 10-5 at Dodger Stadium.
The Reds looked mismatched entirely. It’s not a surprise because it was a David versus Goliath matchup. Most of us expected what was going to happen at least in Game 1. The Dodgers erupted for five home runs, which tied their playoff franchise record.
Reds ace Hunter Greene struggled in his postseason debut. The Dodgers got to him pretty quickly. Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff home run off a 100 mph pitch. Ohtani went deep twice in Game 1. Teoscar Hernandez hit two home runs as well. His three-run home run in the fifth inning slowly broke the game open. Tommy Edman also hit a home run.
There’s a silver lining for the Reds. The Reds scored five runs in this game. We are referring to a team that struggled offensively throughout the entire season. What we saw from the Reds in the 7th and 8th innings is something that the team should carry that momentum into Game 2.
Blake Snell took the mound for the Dodgers. He’s been battling through injuries, but he pitched one incredible game. Snell torched the Reds with his changeup and curveball. The Reds did finally get to him in the seventh, but he was still effective overall.
The Reds’ most significant success has been their starting pitching. It is a disappointing performance by Greene, but sometimes great pitchers struggle in the postseason, especially in their debut. Hopefully, he learns from this experience and performs better in his next postseason start.
Elly De La Cruz made strong effort in hustling. His base ability and speed on the run are something to admire. In Game 2, we expect better results from everyone. The Reds will need to score runs again, and the pitching must come through against a formidable Dodgers lineup.
Zack Littell has the chance to save the Reds’ season. He will go up against Yamamoto. Both pitchers have double-digit wins. Game 2 starts at 9:08.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
X: @mmm_sportnfilms, Instagram: @miguel_passionforsports and @themmmjournal, LinkedIn: The MMM Journal, TikTok: @miguelmikemedina