Game result and context
Los Angeles Dodgers defeat Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in 2026 regular season matchup
The Los Angeles Dodgers edged the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 behind a strong pitching performance from Tarik Skubal and key offensive contributions from Will Smith and Teoscar Hernández.
Final result
The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds with a final score of 3-2. The game concluded after nine innings of play.
The Dodgers improved their season record to 88-57, while the Reds fell to 69-76.
How the game changed
The Dodgers took an early lead in the first inning when Will Smith hit a solo home run. They added another run in the second inning to build a 2-0 advantage.
The Reds responded in the top of the third inning with a two-run home run from Elly De La Cruz, tying the game at 2-2.
Los Angeles reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fifth inning, scoring the decisive run to move ahead 3-2. The Dodgers' pitching staff held the Reds scoreless for the remainder of the contest to preserve the win.
Key performances
Tarik Skubal earned the win for the Dodgers, pitching 7.1 innings and allowing two earned runs while striking out five batters. Teoscar Hernández led the Dodgers' offense with three hits and one RBI.
For the Reds, Elly De La Cruz provided the team's only scoring with a two-run home run. Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo took the loss, pitching 4.2 innings and allowing three earned runs with six strikeouts.
Season and playoff context
With this victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers maintain their position as the leader of their division with a magic number of 7 to clinch. The Reds remain in fifth place in their division, currently 20.5 games back, and face a wild-card elimination number of 7.