The San Diego Padres look to extend their three-game winning streak tonight at Petco Park as they face the Cincinnati Reds again after winning last night’s series opener.
The Los Angeles Dodgers also won last night, so the Padres remain a game behind in the NL West. But San Diego remains in second place in the Wild Card race and just two games behind the Chicago Cubs, who’ve lost three straight coming into tonight.
A sustained win streak could push the Padres into the top spot in either playoff race, strengthening their postseason outlook.
Last night, the Reds squandered a solid start by Nick Lodolo, who pitched five scoreless innings of two-hit ball. With a win, Cincinnati could have come to within three games of the struggling New York Mets for the final Wild Card spot. But they’ve been eclipsed by the red-hot San Francisco Giants, who’ve won seven out of their last ten games.
Padres’ Yu Darvish wasn’t as perfect, but he provided a solid outing, allowing three runs in 5.2 innings — a good sign for San Diego as the playoffs near.
Tonight, Michael King returns to the mound for the Padres after his second stint on the IL this season. A healthy King would accelerate the Padres’ playoff push and put other NL teams, including the Dodgers, on notice.
Zack Littell gets the ball for the Reds. He’s been reliable with a 9–8 record and 3.81 ERA. He’s coming off a rough outing against the Toronto Blue Jays, allowing five runs on seven hits in 4.1 innings, but he limited San Diego to two runs over five innings in their last meeting earlier this season.
Predictions
San Diego’s deeper lineup and Michael King’s return from the IL should give them the edge in a tight game.
Prediction: Padres 4, Reds 3
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
1. TJ Friedl – CF
2. Sal Stewart – 1B
3. Elly De La Cruz – SS
4. Austin Hays – LF
5. Gavin Lux – DH
6. Tyler Stephenson – C
7. Will Benson – RF
8. Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B
9. Matt McLain – 2B
Starting Pitcher: Zack Littell (RHP) — 9–8, 3.81 ERA
San Diego Padres
1. Fernando Tatis Jr. – RF
2. Ryan O’Hearn – 1B
3. Manny Machado – 3B
4. Gavin Sheets – DH
5. Ramón Laureano – LF
6. Jackson Merrill – CF
7. Jose Iglesias – SS
8. Jake Cronenworth – 2B
9. Freddy Fermin – C
Starting Pitcher: Michael King (RHP): 4–2, 2.81 ERA
How to Watch Reds vs. Padres
First pitch for tonight’s game between the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres is set for 9:40 PM Eastern / 6:40 PM Pacific at Petco Park in San Diego.
The game airs live nationally on MLB Network and MLB.TV. Local viewers can catch the game on Padres Television Network and FanDuel Sports Network Ohio.
Cincinnati Reds vs. San Diego Padres
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
First Pitch: 9:40 PM Eastern / 6:40 PM Pacific
Venue: Petco Park, San Diego, CA
TV: MLB Network, Padres Television Network, FanDuel Sports Network Ohio
Streaming: MLB.TV (out-of-market)
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