Dodgers Aim to Extend Home Streak Against Reds on September 9

Los Angeles will be back at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, September 9, for the final game of a three‑game set against the Cincinnati Reds. The Dodgers have just ridden a six‑game home‑winning streak—something they haven’t managed in a full stretch all season—so the atmosphere at UNIQLO Field should feel electric.

On the mound for L.A. is right‑hander Tarik Skubal. He’s been given a four‑day rest after his Tuesday start, and the club is counting on his poise to keep the momentum rolling. Skubal’s arsenal—fastball touching the upper‑90s, a deceptive change‑up and a slider that bites—has been clicking lately, and the Reds’ lineup, which has struggled to generate runs against quality starters, will have a tough time.

Behind him, the rotation will shift on Thursday with the newly‑acquired Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto getting the ball. The front office’s recent tweak—essentially flipping the top of the rotation—looks designed to give the club its best chance to clinch a playoff spot as the regular season winds down.

Of course, the biggest storyline isn’t the pitching; it’s the status of the Dodgers’ star slugger, Shohei Ohtani. After sitting out the Tuesday contest with a lingering rib issue, manager Dave Roberts confirmed Wednesday that Ohtani will be in the lineup, albeit with a “cautious” approach. He may not be at 100 percent, but his bat is expected to give Cincinnati something to worry about.

The rest of the lineup features a blend of power and consistency. Teoscar Hernández, fresh off a clutch three‑run night, will likely patrol right field and provide the middle‑order punch. Veteran first‑baseman Freddie Freeman, the ever‑steady presence, is expected to anchor the cleanup spot, while emerging talent Nick Marcano could see more playing time at shortstop.

On the Reds side, left‑hander Nick Lodolo will take the ball for Cincinnati. Lodolo’s command has been solid all year, but he’ll have to navigate a Dodgers offense that has found its rhythm again after a brief slump.

Betting lines are already moving in L.A.’s favor. The Dodgers are listed as slight favorites, and most oddsmakers see this as a chance for the club to notch a seventh straight home win—a milestone they haven’t reached since the early 2020s.

Whether you’re watching for the strategic rotation shuffle, hoping Ohtani can spark a rally, or just want to enjoy another night of baseball under the lights, Wednesday’s showdown promises plenty of drama. Tune in at 10:10 p.m. ET for the first pitch, and watch the Dodgers try to keep the momentum alive as the regular season heads into its final stretch.