Introduction to a Historic Performance
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani has propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers back to the World Series with a two-way performance for the ages.
The Game-Changing Performance
Ohtani hit three mammoth homers and struck out 10 while pitching into the seventh inning, and the Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers out of the NL Championship Series with a 5-1 victory in Game 4 on Friday night.
“That was probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “There’s been a lot of postseason games. And there’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet.”
Ohtani’s Unforgettable Night
The Dodgers will have a chance to become baseball’s first repeat World Series champions in a quarter-century after this mind-blowing night for the three-time MVP Ohtani, who emphatically ended a quiet postseason by his lofty standards. Ohtani was named the NLCS MVP essentially on the strength of this one unforgettable game.
“This time around it was my turn to be able to perform,” Ohtani said through his interpreter.
A Historic First
After striking out three in the top of the first inning of Game 4, Ohtani hit the first leadoff homer by a pitcher in major league history off Brewers starter José Quintana.
Ohtani followed with a 469-foot blast in the fourth, clearing a pavilion roof in right-center.
Ohtani added a third solo shot in the seventh, becoming the 12th player in major league history to hit three homers in a postseason game. His three homers traveled a combined 1,342 feet.
Dominance on the Mound
Ohtani (2-0) also thoroughly dominated the Brewers in his second career postseason mound start, allowing two hits in his first double-digit strikeout game in a Dodgers uniform.
“Sometimes you’ve got to check yourself and touch him to make sure he’s not just made of steel,” said Freddie Freeman, last season’s World Series MVP. “Absolutely incredible. Biggest stage, and he goes out and does something like that. It’ll probably be remembered as the Shohei Ohtani game.”
Celebration and Anticipation
After the Brewers’ first two batters reached in the seventh, he left the mound to a stadium-shaking ovation — and after Alex Vesia escaped the jam, Ohtani celebrated by hitting his third homer in the bottom half.
The powerhouse Dodgers are the first team to win back-to-back pennants since Philadelphia in 2009. Los Angeles is back in the World Series for the fifth time in nine seasons, and it will attempt to become baseball’s first repeat champs since the New York Yankees won three straight World Series from 1998 to 2000.
Reaction and Reflection
“That was special," Freeman said. "We’ve just been playing really good baseball for a while now, and the inevitable kind of happened today — Shohei. Oh my God. I’m still speechless.”
Following a 9-1 rampage through the NL playoffs, the Dodgers are headed to the World Series for the 23rd time in franchise history, including 14 pennants since moving from Brooklyn to Los Angeles. Only the Yankees, last year’s opponent, have made more appearances in the Fall Classic (41).
Looking Ahead
Los Angeles will have a week off before the World Series begins next Friday, either in Toronto or at Dodger Stadium against Seattle. The Mariners beat the Blue Jays 6-2 earlier Friday to take a 3-2 lead in the ALCS, which continues Sunday at Rogers Centre.
The Dodgers had never swept an NLCS in 16 previous appearances, but they became only the fifth team to sweep this series while thoroughly dominating a Milwaukee club that led the major leagues with 97 wins during the season. Los Angeles is the first team to sweep a best-of-seven postseason series since 2022, and the first to sweep an NLCS since Washington in 2019.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s performance was a testament to his skill and dominance on the field. The Dodgers’ sweep of the NLCS was a culmination of their hard work and dedication throughout the season. As they head to the World Series, they will look to continue their winning streak and bring home the championship.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The Dodgers won 5-1 against the Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS.
Q: How many home runs did Shohei Ohtani hit?
A: Ohtani hit three home runs in the game.
Q: How many strikeouts did Ohtani have?
A: Ohtani struck out 10 batters in the game.
Q: What is next for the Dodgers?
A: The Dodgers will play in the World Series, which begins next Friday, either in Toronto or at Dodger Stadium against Seattle.
