Dodgers Edge Reds 3-2 Behind De La Cruz Heroics and Skubal’s Gem

Reds vs Dodgers: A Tale of Two Superstars

Look, baseball is a game of inches. Sometimes, it’s a game of 106-mph throws from the outfield. On September 8, 2026, at Dodger Stadium, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-2. But the box score doesn’t tell the whole story.

It tells a story of missed opportunities. It tells a story of a pitcher who found his groove. And it tells the story of Elly De La Cruz, who did everything humanly possible to drag his team to victory.

Quick Answer: The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on September 8, 2026. Tarik Skubal pitched 7.1 strong innings, while Teoscar Hernández provided the go-ahead RBI single. Elly De La Cruz hit a 444-foot home run and threw a 106 mph laser to nail a runner at the plate, but the Reds left the tying run stranded in the 8th.

What Was the Final Score and Key Moment of Reds vs Dodgers Game 2?

The final score was Los Angeles Dodgers 3, Cincinnati Reds 2. The turning point came in the bottom of the fifth inning. With the game tied 2-2, Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal was dealing. Reds starter Nick Lodolo, however, was laboring.

Lodolo walked Mookie Betts to lead off the inning. After a flyout, Teoscar Hernández singled to center field. Betts scored easily from second, putting the Dodgers up 3-2. That was the winning run. It chased Lodolo from the game and gave the Dodgers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Key Takeaway:

• The go-ahead run scored on a single by Teoscar Hernández in the 5th.
• The Reds couldn’t answer against a dominant Dodgers bullpen.
• Cincinnati’s series win streak ended at three series.

Direct Answer: The final score was Dodgers 3, Reds 2, with the go-ahead run scoring on a Teoscar Hernández single in the 5th inning.

How Did the Starting Pitchers Perform in This Pitching Duel?

This game was a classic pitcher’s duel, at least for a while. On one side, you had Tarik Skubal for the Dodgers. On the other, Nick Lodolo for the Reds.

Skubal was masterful. He improved his record to 9-7, allowing just two runs on four hits over 7.1 innings. He struck out five and walked two. Since joining the Dodgers at the trade deadline, he has been exactly what they hoped for: a frontline starter. It was his longest outing since becoming a Dodger.

Lodolo, unfortunately, had a shorter night. He lasted just 4.2 innings. He gave up three runs and five hits, striking out six but walking three. His pitch count ballooned early, especially in the second inning, when he loaded the bases. He just couldn’t get the deep outing the Reds needed.

Key Takeaway:

• Tarik Skubal (LAD): 7.1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 K (W, 9-7). A gem.
• Nick Lodolo (CIN): 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 6 K (L, 3-4). Solid but too short.

Direct Answer: Dodgers starter Tarik Skubal outdueled Nick Lodolo, pitching into the 8th inning to earn the win, while Lodolo was pulled in the 5th after surrendering the lead.

Who Were the Offensive Stars for Both Teams?

Let’s talk bats. Elly De La Cruz was the undeniable star for the Reds. His power and defense were on full display.

• Elly De La Cruz (CIN): Went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer. That blast was a 444-foot moonshot to center field, the longest at Dodger Stadium this season. It gave him 25 homers on the year, tying the club record for switch-hitters. He also threw a 106 mph strike from the outfield to gun down Teoscar Hernández at the plate.

For the Dodgers, it was a balanced attack. They got a solo home run from Will Smith in the first inning to take an early 1-0 lead. But the real hero was Teoscar Hernández. He went 3-for-3 with a walk and the game-winning RBI single. He was on base all night, causing havoc.

Key Takeaway:

• Reds: De La Cruz single-handedly kept them in it with his bat and glove.
• Dodgers: Hernández was the catalyst, and Smith provided the early pop.

Direct Answer: Elly De La Cruz hit a massive two-run homer for the Reds, while Teoscar Hernández and Will Smith led the Dodgers’ offense with key hits.

What Was Elly De La Cruz’s Incredible Defensive Play?

You can’t talk about this game without mentioning the defensive gem. It might be the play of the year in MLB.

It happened in the bottom of the third inning. Teoscar Hernández hit a ball to deep center field. Reds center fielder Dane Myers charged and missed it. The ball rolled all the way to the wall. Hernández, a fast runner, turned on the jets and tried to leg out an inside-the-park home run.

It looked like he might make it. But the relay was perfect. Left fielder JJ Bleday threw it to Elly De La Cruz, who had raced over from shortstop to center field. De La Cruz, without hesitation, unleashed a 106 mph laser to home plate. The throw was right on the money, nailing Hernández by a huge margin. It was a 10- or 15-foot lead that was erased. The crowd was stunned.

Key Takeaway:

• The Play: A 106 mph outfield assist to rob an inside-the-park homer.
• The Player: Elly De La Cruz showed why he’s one of the most exciting players in baseball.

Direct Answer: Elly De La Cruz threw a 106 mph strike from the outfield to home plate, gunning down Teoscar Hernández trying to score an inside-the-park home run.

How Did the Reds Almost Tie the Game in the 8th?

The Reds didn’t go down without a fight. They had a golden opportunity in the top of the 8th inning.

Trailing 3-2, Elly De La Cruz hit a two-out double off Dodgers reliever Edgardo Henriquez. He was the potential tying run in scoring position. Sal Stewart stepped up to the plate.

Stewart worked the count to 1-2. Then, a crucial moment. The ball was called a ball by the home plate umpire. But the Dodgers challenged the call. This is where technology comes in. The Automatic Ball-Strike System (ABS) reviewed the pitch. It was overturned. It was a strike.

Instead of a 2-2 count, Stewart was now down 1-2. The next pitch was a strike. He struck out, ending the inning and the Reds’ last real threat.

Key Takeaway:

• The Situation: De La Cruz on 2nd with two outs in the 8th, down by one run.
• The Result: A ball call was overturned by ABS to a strike, leading to a strikeout.

Direct Answer: The Reds’ comeback bid ended in the 8th when an overturned ball call by the Automatic Ball-Strike System led to Sal Stewart striking out with the tying run on second.

Cincinnati Reds vs Dodgers Box Score & Player Stats (Game 2 – September 8, 2026)

Here are the official stats for the game.

Cincinnati Reds (2)

Los Angeles Dodgers (3)

FAQs About the Reds vs Dodgers Game

Question: What was the final score of the Reds vs Dodgers game on September 8, 2026?

Answer: The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Cincinnati Reds by a score of 3-2.

Question: Who won the Reds vs Dodgers game?

Answer: The Los Angeles Dodgers won the game, their sixth consecutive victory, behind a strong performance from starting pitcher Tarik Skubal.

Question: How did Elly De La Cruz perform in the Reds vs Dodgers game?

Answer: Elly De La Cruz was phenomenal, hitting a 444-foot, two-run home run and throwing a 106 mph assist from the outfield to rob a runner at home plate.

Question: How did Tarik Skubal pitch against the Reds?

Answer: Tarik Skubal pitched 7.1 strong innings, allowing just two runs on four hits while striking out five to earn his ninth win.

Question: What happened in the 8th inning of the Reds vs Dodgers game?

Answer: The Reds had the tying run in scoring position with two outs, but Sal Stewart struck out after a ball call was overturned to a strike by the Automatic Ball-Strike System.

Bottom Line: A Close Loss for the Reds

The Reds lost 3-2. It was a frustrating game because they were in it. Elly De La Cruz was a superstar, but the rest of the offense couldn’t help. Nick Lodolo was decent, but not great. The defense committed errors. They left runners on base. They lost to a better team that made fewer mistakes. The Dodgers just keep rolling.

Conclusion: Dodgers Show Championship Mettle

This game was a snapshot of two teams heading in different directions. The Dodgers are winning close games. They are getting elite pitching, timely hitting, and flawless execution. Tarik Skubal looks like a Cy Young contender again. Teoscar Hernández is heating up at the right time. They look like a World Series team.

The Reds? They are scrappy. Elly De La Cruz is a generational talent. He is must-see TV. But they need more consistency. They need Lodolo to go deeper. They need the bottom of the lineup to produce. They left 11 runners on base in the first game of the series and couldn’t capitalize in the second.  They are a team of the future, but the future feels like it’s still a season away.

The series finale is next. Can the Reds avoid the sweep? Or will the Dodgers prove they are the class of the National League? One thing is for sure: if you aren’t watching Elly De La Cruz, you’re missing out.

What was your favorite moment from the game? Elly’s homer or his throw? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this post with your fellow baseball fans.

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