Where to Watch Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds: MLB Wild Card Game 1 Live & Free Streaming Details

The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the MLB National League Wild Card Series tonight, Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET at Dodger Stadium. Fans searching for where to watch Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it online through several popular platforms offering free trials.

This best-of-three Wild Card matchup features the third-seeded Dodgers, who went 93-69 and won the NL West, against the sixth-seeded Reds, who clinched a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season. Both teams are ready for an intense October showdown with high stakes.

How to Watch Dodgers vs Reds Live

The game will air live on ESPN. Viewers can also stream Dodgers vs Cincinnati Reds through platforms such as DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling. DirecTV Stream, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV currently offer free trials for new users, making it possible to watch the game without an immediate paid subscription.

Streaming services with free trials:

• DirecTV Stream – Free trial available; promotional offer of $35 off the first month.
• fuboTV – Free trial available; $30 off first month for new users.
• Hulu + Live TV – Free trial available; standard monthly pricing afterward.
• Sling – No free trial but more affordable monthly plan starting at $45.99.

ESPN is included in each of these streaming options, ensuring access to the entire game without cable. Fans can also watch using a traditional TV subscription if they already have ESPN.

Pitching Matchup and Game Preview

Reds rookie Hunter Greene (7-4) will make his first postseason start in front of family and friends at Dodger Stadium. Greene grew up in Los Angeles and called this opportunity a “full-circle moment.” The Dodgers will counter with two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell (5-4), who signed with LA to pitch in October and test himself against the league’s best.

Cincinnati surged into the playoffs by winning key games late and benefitted when the Mets lost on the final day of the season. The Reds have been playing what manager Terry Francona described as “do-or-die baseball” for weeks, which could give them an emotional edge.

Meanwhile, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts emphasized the need to stay sharp against a young Reds squad. LA dominated the season series, winning five of six and outscoring Cincinnati 30-15. Having home-field advantage and an experienced playoff core could be critical for the Dodgers.

If the series goes to three games, LA could start Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani on the mound for his long-awaited postseason pitching debut. Ohtani has already delivered at the plate this year, hitting .312 with 10 home runs in September and finishing the regular season with 55 homers.

What This Series Means

The winner of this Wild Card series will advance to face the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Division Series. For the Dodgers, this is a chance to defend their World Series title and continue their dominant postseason streak. For the Reds, it’s an opportunity to upset one of baseball’s powerhouses and win their first playoff series since 1995.

Fans eager to watch should prepare early by setting up a free trial on their preferred streaming platform or tuning into ESPN at 9 p.m. ET. With Hunter Greene on the mound against Blake Snell and the potential for Shohei Ohtani to pitch later, this game is set to be one of the most intriguing Wild Card openers in years.