Los Angeles begins quest for back-to-back championships in Wild Card Series
LOS ANGELES, California — The Los Angeles Dodgers open another postseason tonight, chasing their second straight championship after finishing 93–69 and winning the National League West. They enter as the No. 3 seed and face the Cincinnati Reds in a best-of-three Wild Card Series.
This marks the Dodgers’ 13th consecutive playoff appearance, the longest active streak in American professional sports. The formula is familiar: a roster built on stars, depth, and experience, paired with a manager who has lived October baseball for nearly a decade.
Star power drives Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani leads the charge. The two-way star posted a 2.87 ERA and struck out hitters at one of the league’s highest rates while delivering power at the plate. His presence alone shapes the Dodgers’ identity as October begins.
Freddie Freeman anchors the middle of the order with consistency and playoff-tested production. He remains one of the game’s most reliable hitters, giving the lineup balance and leadership.
Mookie Betts adds speed, defense and leadoff firepower, capable of impacting every inning he plays. Few players match his all-around ability to change a game.
On the mound, Blake Snell headlines the staff. The left-hander, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, finished with a 2.35 ERA and gives Los Angeles a proven postseason arm. His strikeout ability makes him the most trusted option in Game 1.
Roberts’ postseason record
Manager Dave Roberts is guiding the Dodgers into October for the 10th consecutive year since taking over in 2016. His track record is one of the strongest in baseball: 56 postseason wins, four National League pennants and two World Series championships.
Roberts’ October decisions — from pitching changes to lineup calls — are often debated, but his results speak for themselves. Under his watch, the Dodgers are a constant presence on the postseason stage, defined by stability and sustained success.
Game 1: Dodgers vs. Reds — the details
The Dodgers open the Wild Card Series at home with Game 1 tonight at Dodger Stadium.
- First Pitch: 6:08 p.m. Pacific / 9:08 p.m. Eastern
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
- TV: ESPN
- Starting Pitchers:
• Dodgers: Blake Snell (5–4, 2.35 ERA)
• Reds: Hunter Greene (7–4, 2.76 ERA)
The Dodgers begin October leaning on Ohtani, Freeman, Betts, Snell and Roberts’ postseason experience. Their run for another championship starts with a simple challenge: win two games before the Reds win two.
