Dodgers Rally Past Reds 5-4 on Will Smith's 9th-Inning Double

Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

In a thrilling contest on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, the Los Angeles Dodgers staged a late rally to secure a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

The Dodgers' winning run came in the ninth inning, courtesy of an RBI double by Will Smith. This crucial hit brought home James Outman, who had pinch-run for Michael Conforto after Conforto drew a lead-off walk off Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán.

Despite the win, it was a challenging night for Shohei Ohtani, who struck out four times in a major league game for the sixth time in his career, and for the first time in his initial four at-bats. The reigning NL MVP also saw his impressive nine-game hitting streak come to an end.

Offensively, Freddie Freeman was a standout for Los Angeles, collecting three hits, including a game-tying RBI single in the seventh inning. Tommy Edman contributed with a two-run homer in the first inning to give the Dodgers an early lead.

Former Cincinnati closer Alexis Díaz, who was traded to the Dodgers on May 29, pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief, contributing to his new team's win.

For the Reds, Jake Fraley and Noelvi Marte provided the power. Fraley hit a two-run shot in the fourth inning to tie the game at 2-all, and Marte followed with a solo drive two batters later, giving Cincinnati a temporary lead. The Reds have now dropped two consecutive games after previously winning four straight.

Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia closed out the game, retiring the Reds in order in the ninth inning to earn his fourth save of the season.

Key Moment

The turning point of the game occurred in the seventh inning when the Dodgers, trailing 4-2, mounted a comeback. They successfully evened the score on key RBI base hits from both Will Smith and Freddie Freeman, setting the stage for their ninth-inning heroics.

Key Stat

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo delivered a strong performance, recording 11 strikeouts, just one shy of his career high. Notably, Lodolo became the 13th MLB pitcher to strike out Shohei Ohtani three times in a single game, joining a select group that includes Justin Verlander and Justus Sheffield, who have achieved the feat twice.

In summary

The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-4 on July 29, 2025, marked by a decisive ninth-inning RBI double from Will Smith. Key contributions for the Dodgers included a three-hit performance by Freddie Freeman and a two-run homer by Tommy Edman. Despite a challenging night for Shohei Ohtani, who struck out four times, the Dodgers' bullpen, including former Red Alexis Díaz, held strong. For the Reds, Jake Fraley and Noelvi Marte homered. Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo recorded 11 strikeouts, notably striking out Ohtani three times. Alex Vesia secured the save for Los Angeles, as the Reds dropped their second consecutive game.

Related Links

• Los Angeles Dodgers News & Updates
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• Cincinnati Reds News & Updates
• Cincinnati Reds Schedule & Scores
• MLB News