Ohtani's 3‑HR, 10‑K Game Sends Dodgers to World Series
When Shohei Ohtani, two‑way star of the Los Angeles Dodgers took the mound on at Dodger Stadium, he delivered what manager Dave Roberts called “probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” propelling the Dodgers to a 5‑1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium. The win completed a four‑game sweep and clinched the NL CS for Los Angeles, sending them to a second straight World Series.
Prelude to a Historic Night
The Dodgers entered Game 4 already on a hot streak, having won the first three contests by an average of six runs. Their offense had been clicking, but no one could have predicted the fireworks that Ohtani would unleash. Meanwhile, the Brewers, who finished the regular season with a franchise‑record 97 victories and a third straight NL Central title, were desperately trying to avert a sweep after a grueling rally in the NL Divisional Series against the Chicago Cubs.
Ohtani’s Dual Dominance
Right out of the gate, Ohtani set the tone. He walked the leadoff batter Brice Turang and then struck out the next three hitters with fastballs that brushed 101 mph. On the very next pitch, he launched a leadoff home run off a slurve from Jose Quintana. It wasn’t just any homer – it was the first time a pitcher ever hit a leadoff home run in either the regular season or the playoffs.
Ohtani didn’t stop there. After six scoreless innings, during which he tossed 108 pitches, tallied 10 strikeouts, and allowed no hits after the second inning, he stepped back into the batter’s box. In the third inning he belted his second long ball, a 469‑foot blast that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Reliever Alex Vesia, watching from the bullpen, shouted, “The ball went out of the stadium!” The third and final homer came in the fifth inning, sealing a three‑home‑run night that matched Ohtani’s own regular‑season record for most homers in a single game.
Statistically, the performance was otherworldly: 6 ⅔ innings, 10 K, 0 BB (after the leadoff walk), 3 HR, 2 RBI, and a line that will likely sit in the record books alongside legends like Babe Ruth and Sandy Koufax.
Reactions from the Dodgers Dugout
Before the game, third baseman Max Muncy joked in a clubhouse interview that he was “expecting nothing short of incredible today.” After the final out, he laughed, “And he proved me wrong. He went beyond incredible.” Even the veteran pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who didn’t appear on the mound, admitted, “I’ve seen a lot, but that night was something else entirely.”
Roberts, usually measured, let his emotions show. “When you see a guy dominate both sides of the ball like that, you just have to celebrate. This is the kind of moment kids dream about,” he said on the post‑game press conference.
Brewers’ Perspective
For the Brewers, the loss was a gut punch. Outfielder Christian Yelich tried to stay upbeat, noting, “We aren’t that far. Not as far as it seems. I still believe one day that’s going to be us out there.” The team’s manager, Craig Counsell, emphasized the season’s bright spots: “We turned a 0‑4 start into a 97‑win campaign, and we broke a six‑year streak of series losses. That has to mean something.”
Statistically, Milwaukee’s offense was still potent – they entered the game averaging 5.2 runs per contest – but Ohtani’s firepower neutralized any advantage.
What This Means for the Dodgers and Baseball
Ohtani’s feat does more than advance a team; it rewrites the conversation about two‑way players. Scouts and front offices across the league will likely reassess how they value pitchers who can also hit, perhaps prompting a shift away from the designated hitter model in the National League.
The Dodgers, now headed to the World Series for the second straight year, have a distinct psychological edge. Their roster, bolstered by the veteran leadership of players like Muncy and the youthful exuberance of Ohtani, appears ready to defend the title. If the team can keep its bullpen healthy – a concern after Vesia’s heavy workload – they are a favorite to win it all.
Looking Ahead to the World Series
The opponent remains to be determined; the American League champion will face the Dodgers next month. Analysts point to the Houston Astros as a likely challenger, noting their own strong pitching depth and clutch hitting.
Either way, Ohtani’s Game 4 performance will be a benchmark for future postseason exploits. It also sets a narrative arc: a player who stunned the world with a perfect season in 2023, overcame injuries, and now delivers a once‑in‑a‑generation showing when the stakes are highest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
The three‑home‑run, 10‑strikeout showcase gives Los Angeles a morale boost and proof that their star can dominate both on the mound and at the plate. If the Dodgers keep their rotation healthy, they enter the World Series as clear favorites, with Ohtani providing a unique strategic weapon that few teams can counter.
What records did Ohtani break during Game 4?
He became the first pitcher ever to hit a leadoff home run in a postseason game, the first to hit three homers in a single playoff contest, and joined an elite group of players with ten strikeouts and three home runs in the same game.
Why was the Brewers’ 97‑win season considered a turnaround?
Milwaukee started 0‑4, a historically poor opening, yet rallied to lead MLB in wins, clinching their third straight NL Central title and ending a six‑year streak of postseason series losses with a dramatic NLDS victory over the Cubs.
What does Ohtani’s dual role mean for future roster construction?
Teams may prioritize finding or developing two‑way talent, seeing the roster flexibility and matchup advantages it creates. Ohtani’s success could spark renewed interest in scouting pitchers who can also hit, potentially altering the traditional split‑between pitchers and position players.
Who are the likely opponents for the Dodgers in the World Series?
While the American League champion is not yet decided, the Houston Astros have the strongest résumé, boasting a deep rotation and a clutch hitting lineup. If they win their series, the Astros‑Dodgers matchup would be a clash of two powerhouse clubs.
Dorian Blackthorne
Hi, I'm Dorian Blackthorne and I'm a passionate blogger with expertise in the world of blogging. My love for writing has led me to create engaging content that resonates with my readers. I specialize in providing tips, tricks, and insights on blogging to help others succeed in this ever-evolving digital space. I believe that sharing knowledge and experiences is key to growth and success, which is why I strive to be a valuable resource for all aspiring bloggers. Through my work, I aim to inspire and support others in their journey to create meaningful and impactful blogs.