Reds stop Dodgers in their tracks in 6-2 defeat

The Los Angeles Dodgers desperately needed a victory to secure their 13th NL West title since 2013, but the Cincinnati Reds delivered a 6-2 win on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. The Dodgers started aggressively, loading the bases in the first inning with a single and two walks against left-hander Andrew Abbot, but Miguel Rojas grounded out to keep the scoreless tie.

Starting pitcher Blake Snell left the game early due to left groin tightness, handing the bullpen the chance to make a statement. With the bases loaded and one out in the third inning, Elly De La Cruz delivered a game-changing home run, giving the Reds their first lead of the series. De La Cruz has hit five home runs against the Dodgers this season and has driven in all three runs for the Reds against Los Angeles this week.

The Reds' bullpen continued to shine, with Blake Treinen, Seth Halvorsen, Julian Garcia, and Bobby Miller all contributing to a dominant outing. The Dodgers managed to cut the deficit to one run in the sixth inning, but Matt McLain drove in two runs in the bottom of the seventh, making it a four-run lead for Cincinnati. Left-hander Kris Bubic finished the game strong, pitching a scoreless eighth inning and striking out two batters.