In a tightly contested matchup on Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers continued their impressive run, defeating the visiting Cincinnati Reds 3-2 and extending their winning streak to six games. The victory came thanks to a solid performance by starter Tarik Skubal, who worked into the eighth inning and limited the Reds to just two runs.
Skubal’s Strong Start
Skubal, in his seventh start since joining the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers at the trade deadline, posted a line of seven and one-third innings, allowing two runs on four hits, issuing two walks, and striking out five. The right‑hander earned his 9-7 record with the win, demonstrating the depth the Dodgers have added to their rotation.
Key Offensive Moments
Will Smith opened the scoring in the first inning with a two‑out home run, his seventh of the season, giving Los Angeles an early 1-0 lead. The Dodgers loaded the bases in the second inning and added a second run when Tommy Edman was hit by a pitch.
The Reds answered in the third inning when Elly De La Cruz launched a 444‑foot home run to left field, his 25th of the season, tying the game at 2-2. De La Cruz, who has homered in four consecutive games and is batting .455 since Aug. 22, also made a spectacular defensive play by throwing out a runner at home from shallow center field.
In the fifth inning, the Dodgers reclaimed the lead. After Mookie Betts walked, Smith was hit by a pitch, and Teoscar Hernández delivered a go‑ahead RBI single to right‑center, putting Los Angeles ahead 3-2.
Late‑Game Relief
Tanner Scott closed out the ninth inning, recording his 22nd save of the season and preserving the narrow margin. The win keeps the Dodgers 1½ games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the best record in Major League Baseball.
Injuries and Lineup Notes
Los Angeles played without designated hitter Shohei Ohtani for the fifth time in six games, as Ohtani continues to manage left‑knee and right‑biceps discomfort. The Reds’ left‑hander Nick Lodolo, a native of the Los Angeles area, took the loss, allowing three runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings while striking out six.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers will aim to keep their momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season, hoping to overtake the Brewers and secure the league’s top spot. For the Reds, the road trip continues with a challenging schedule ahead, but Elly De La Cruz’s hot streak offers a bright spot for Cincinnati fans.
Both clubs remain focused on their respective goals: the Dodgers on a postseason push and the Reds on building consistency after a rocky start to the road trip.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
