Dodgers vs Reds Prediction, Time and How to Watch; NL Wild Card Game 2

The Los Angeles Dodgers face the Cincinnati Reds in Game 2 of the 2025 NL Wild Card Series tonight, Wednesday, October 1. First pitch is set for 9:08 PM ET at Dodger Stadium and will air live on ESPN. The Dodgers lead the best-of-three series 1-0 after winning the opener and are heavy favorites to advance.

Los Angeles enters this game with strong momentum, while Cincinnati is fighting to keep its postseason alive. Fans and bettors are closely watching the matchup after a competitive Game 1 where the Dodgers’ star power proved decisive.

Dodgers vs Reds Game 2 Betting Preview

The Dodgers are listed as -262 favorites on the moneyline, with the Reds as +212 underdogs. The run line has Los Angeles -1.5 at -123 odds, while Cincinnati +1.5 sits at +103. The over/under total is set at 8 runs, priced evenly at -110 for both the over and under.

Los Angeles has thrived as a favorite this season, winning 83 of 143 games when favored and going 16-5 when favored by similar odds. The implied probability gives the Dodgers about a 72% chance to win. Cincinnati has been competitive as an underdog, winning 43 of 87 games in that role, but tonight’s +212 is among their longest postseason odds this year.

Los Angeles has gone 8-2 over its last 10 games, averaging 5.5 runs per game with 24 home runs and a 2.96 ERA from the pitching staff. Cincinnati is 6-4 over the same span but scores fewer runs at 3.8 per game with a 3.20 ERA.

Key Players to Watch Tonight

Shohei Ohtani continues to dominate at the plate, leading the Dodgers with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs this season. He’s been hot recently, hitting .304 over the past five games with multiple extra-base hits. Freddie Freeman is batting .295 overall and has an eight-game hitting streak, adding both consistency and power to the Dodgers lineup. Mookie Betts remains a key table-setter with 20 home runs and 61 walks.

For Cincinnati, Elly De La Cruz leads with 22 home runs and 86 RBIs, while TJ Friedl provides on-base ability and speed with 22 doubles and 81 walks. Spencer Steer adds power with 21 home runs but has struggled with consistency at the plate. The Reds need a breakout performance from their lineup to challenge the Dodgers’ pitching tonight.

On the mound, Los Angeles will look to Blake Snell, who finished the regular season with a 2.35 ERA and enters hot after a strong September. Cincinnati counters with Hunter Greene, the hard-throwing right-hander who owns a 2.76 ERA and recently took a no-hitter into the seventh against Chicago.

Game Prediction and Analysis

Expect a tight, low-scoring game if both starters stay sharp. Snell has the edge due to experience and form, but Greene’s velocity can keep the Reds in it. Los Angeles’ deeper lineup and home-field advantage make the Dodgers the safer pick. Bettors leaning toward the total may find the under appealing with two quality starters.

Prediction: Dodgers 4, Reds 3. Los Angeles advances with strong pitching and timely power hitting.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What time does Dodgers vs Reds Game 2 start?

First pitch is scheduled for 9:08 PM Eastern Time at Dodger Stadium.

Q2: How can I watch Dodgers vs Reds live?

The game airs on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and website.

Q3: Who are the starting pitchers?

Blake Snell starts for the Dodgers, while Hunter Greene takes the mound for the Reds.

Q4: What are the odds for Dodgers vs Reds Game 2?

The Dodgers are -262 favorites on the moneyline; the Reds are +212 underdogs. The total is set at 8 runs.

Q5: What happened in Game 1?

The Dodgers won Game 1 behind timely hitting and strong pitching, taking a 1-0 series lead.