News Summary
Shohei Ohtani showcased an extraordinary performance in Game 4 of the NLCS, leading the Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Brewers. He hit three home runs, including historical blasts that propelled his team into the World Series. Ohtani also achieved ten strikeouts on the mound, making him the first player in MLB history to lead off a game with a home run while accomplishing such a feat. His efforts earned him the NLCS MVP award, solidifying his reputation as a dual-threat player in baseball.
Los Angeles, CA – Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 17, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Ohtani’s remarkable game featured three home runs and ten strikeouts, propelling the Dodgers to complete a sweep and secure the NL pennant for the second consecutive year, earning a spot in the World Series.
In a groundbreaking feat, Ohtani became the first pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) history to lead off a game with a home run. His powerful hits included a 446-foot blast and a towering 469-foot home run, with one of his home runs even reaching beyond the confines of Dodger Stadium. This game marked only the 12th time in postseason history that a player has hit three home runs in a single game, solidifying Ohtani’s status as a dual-threat player.
On the mound, Ohtani pitched six innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out ten batters. His dominant performance helped keep the Brewers scoreless. The Dodgers’ manager praised Ohtani’s performance as “probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” a testament to his unique capability to excel as both a pitcher and hitter.
The victory in Game 4 not only clinched the NLCS for the Dodgers but also highlighted Ohtani’s dramatic turnaround from a recent slump. Prior to the game, he had been struggling offensively, batting merely 3-for-29 (.103) over the previous seven games. His turnaround was evidenced during an off-day practice session when he hit 14 home runs in 32 swings, showcasing that he was ready to break out of his slump.
The attendance for the matchup was significant, with 52,883 fans present to witness Ohtani’s extraordinary display of skill. The game was also broadcast to millions of viewers in Japan and the U.S., further emphasizing Ohtani’s immense popularity and the historic nature of the event. Following the game, Ohtani was honored with the NLCS MVP trophy, a fitting recognition for his contributions throughout the series.
Throughout the game, Ohtani’s strikeouts included multiple pitches clocked at over 100 mph, reflecting the electrifying nature of his pitching. His splitter, in particular, proved troublesome for Brewers hitters, accentuating his dual-threat ability on the mound and at the plate. With this performance, Ohtani became the only player in Major League history to achieve at least ten strikeouts and hit two home runs in the same game more than once, underscoring his remarkable talent.
The Dodgers’ sweep of the Brewers not only signifies their return to the World Series but also marks Ohtani’s continuing evolution as one of the greatest players in baseball history. Many have begun to draw comparisons between Ohtani and historic greats, recognizing his unprecedented abilities and contributions to the sport.
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, the significance of Ohtani’s record-setting performance will undoubtedly remain a focal point. Following the hard-fought victory, players and fans alike celebrated, acknowledging the crucial role Ohtani played in their quest for another championship.
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Additional Resources
- MLB: Ohtani’s Historic NLCS Performance
- BBC Sport: Ohtani’s Performance in NLCS
- ESPN: Ohtani’s Two-Way Dominance
- LA Times: Ohtani’s Three Home Runs
- USA Today: Ohtani’s Best Games in NLCS
- Wikipedia: Shohei Ohtani
- Google Search: Shohei Ohtani NLCS 2025
- Google Scholar: Shohei Ohtani
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shohei Ohtani
- Google News: Shohei Ohtani
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
