Special for followers of codigopostalrd.net
Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance on both counts in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium, where the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Milwaukee Brewers.
As a starting pitcher and leadoff hitter, Ohtani dominated both on the mound and at the plate, directly contributing to the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory and series sweep.
Ohtani pitched six scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 10 batters. He earned the win, lowering his postseason ERA and stifling the Brewers’ offense, which had averaged just three hits per game in the series.
His combination of triple-digit fastballs and accurate breaking balls unbalanced the Milwaukee lineup, allowing the Dodgers’ bullpen to close out the game without any problems.
Ohtani went 3-for-3 with three home runs and three RBIs. He started with a leadoff home run in the first inning against José Quintana (marking the second consecutive year he did so in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series against the same pitcher), followed by a 469-foot solo home run in the fourth inning that cleared the right-field flag and completely cleared the stadium, and a third home run in the seventh inning to center field.
These hits accounted for the majority of the Dodgers’ scoring, turning a potentially close game into a decisive rout.
This performance not only sealed the game, but also marked several milestones: Ohtani became the first pitcher in MLB history to hit a home run to lead off the postseason, the first Dodgers pitcher to hit a home run in the postseason, and achieved the rare feat of hitting three home runs in one game while pitching. The Dodger Stadium crowd chanted his name, amplifying the electrifying atmosphere and boosting team morale.
For the Dodgers, the victory completed a 4-0 sweep of the National League Championship Series, propelling the Dodgers to their second consecutive World Series appearance (and their 22nd overall).
Ohtani’s performance relieved pressure on the pitching staff, preserved the bullpen for the upcoming series, and highlighted the team’s depth with contributions from players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman in supporting roles.
This advances them to face the winner of the American League Championship Series (ongoing between the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays starting October 18, 2025).
For Ohtani, he was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series, further cementing his status as a favorite for the 2025 NL MVP award.
His game statistics—an OPS theoretically above 5.000 for the night, combined with a 2.25 ERA—sparked viral discussions, including an anagram linking his performance metrics to the date (October 17). Betting markets were affected, with bets such as Ohtani hitting with over 6 strikeouts.
However, it also intensified scrutiny over his recovery from previous injuries, although no issues arose.
The game drew a massive audience, with highlights going viral on platforms like YouTube and X, potentially boosting MLB’s global appeal, especially in Japan. It reignited the debate over Ohtani’s place in baseball history, with fans and analysts calling it “Shohei Ohtani’s Game” and comparing it to the legendary performances of Babe Ruth. No immediate negative consequences, such as injuries, were reported, but it raises high expectations for Ohtani in the World Series.
Ohtani’s participation on October 17, 2025, redefined what a single player can accomplish in a high-stakes postseason game, combining elite pitching and hitting in a way never seen in modern baseball.
It underscores his “unicorn” status as a two-way star, demonstrating his full recovery and evolution from surgery.
For the Dodgers, this solidifies their dynasty aspirations, while for MLB, it highlights the sport’s potential for momentous moments that attract new fans.
Ultimately, this performance could go down in history as one of the best in playoff history, cementing Ohtani’s legacy as potentially the greatest all-around player in history, as evidenced by phrases like “hat trick” and “cheat code” circulating online. If the Dodgers win the World Series, this game could be remembered as the decisive catalyst.
