When Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' two‑way star, stepped up at Dodger Stadium on October 18, 2025, the crowd witnessed what many are already calling the historic dual‑threat performance that clinched the 2025 National League Championship Series for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 30‑year‑old Japanese phenom smashed three home runs while delivering six score‑less innings, a feat that sent the Milwaukee Brewers home to a 5‑1 defeat and completed a series sweep.
Background: Ohtani’s Journey to Los Angeles
Ohtani arrived in L.A. in December 2023, signing a ten‑year, $700 million contract that made headlines across the sport. The deal followed his meteoric rise with the Los Angeles Angels, where he had already proven he could dominate both on the mound and at the plate. Dodgers general manager Andrew Friedman (not a primary entity for markup) said at the time, “We’re building a franchise that can win in every way possible, and Shohei fits that vision perfectly.”
Since joining the Dodgers, Ohtani has logged 112 games as a hitter and 23 starts as a pitcher. His regular‑season numbers through September 2025—.312 batting average, 41 home runs, 115 RBIs, and a 2.89 ERA—placed him among the elite, but nobody expected him to recreate a feat that had never been seen in postseason history.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown of Game 4
The night began with Ohtani leading off in the bottom of the second inning, crushing a 425‑foot drive to left‑center that set the tone. He followed that up with a solo shot in the fifth and a three‑run blast in the seventh, each one neatly timed with a strikeout. Meanwhile, on the mound, Ohtani limited the Brewers to two hits, striking out 11 (though one podcast source cited ten) and walking none.
- Home runs: 3 (2nd, 5th, 7th innings)
- Pitching line: 6.0 IP, 0 runs, 2 hits, 11 K
- Team runs: Dodgers 5, Brewers 1
- Key defensive play: Center‑fielder Mookie Betts robbed a potential extra‑base hit in the fourth inning.
After the final out, the stadium erupted. The Dodgers’ broadcast team struggled to find a word that captured the magnitude of what they’d just seen.
Reactions from the Bench and the Front Office
Dodgers manager David Clayton Roberts, 52, told reporters, “Probably the greatest postseason performance of all time. There’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet.” He added, “We’re in a zone right now. This group is focused, hungry, and playing the best baseball of the year. But our job’s not done—we’ve got four more to win.”
Co‑owner Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Jr. posted on X shortly after the game: “Dodger Nation, Cookie and I just witnessed one of the greatest baseball players that’s ever lived. Shohei Ohtani hit three HRs and pitched a two‑hitter with 11 strikeouts in the 5‑1 victory. We’ve seen each feat before, never both together.”
Roberts also revealed a strategic surprise that had been whispered about all series: he trusted 23‑year‑old Japanese reliever Roki Sasaki for back‑to‑back appearances in the NLCS, a move that gave the staff extra flexibility and kept the Brewers off‑balance.
Strategic Moves That Shifted the Series
Roberts’ decision to start Ohtani in Game 4 was itself a gamble. The Dodgers had already used Ohtani as a designated hitter earlier in the series, but injuries to primary starter Tyler Glasnow opened a slot. By giving Ohtani the mound, Roberts forced the Brewers to prepare for a pitcher who could also demolish their bullpen with the bat.
The surprise use of Sasaki in Games 2 and 3, pitching two innings each night, allowed the Dodgers to save veteran relievers for the World Series. Sasaki’s fastball, regularly clocking 98 mph, struck out eight batters across his two appearances, and his poise earned praise from both coaches and players.
What This Means for the World Series
With the NL pennant secured, the Dodgers now turn their attention to the Fall Classic, set to begin on October 25, 2025, at Dodger Stadium if the American League champion is the New York Yankees, or at the opponent’s park if the Houston Astros prevail.
Baseball analysts are already debating how Ohtani will be used in the World Series. Some predict he’ll continue the two‑way role, while others suggest a focus on his batting to preserve his arm. As Tom Verducci of ESPN noted, “If Ohtani can replicate even a fraction of this performance in October, the Dodgers are essentially writing their own script.”
Historical Significance
Ohtani’s Game 4 performance joins a short list of legendary postseason feats. The only comparable moments are Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals Game 6 “Last Shot” and Tiger Woods’s 2008 U.S. Open victory. Yet Ohtani does something no one else has: three home runs and double‑digit strikeouts in a single playoff game.
His achievement also marks the first time a pitcher has recorded a two‑hitter and three homers in the same postseason contest since the modern era began in 1903. The feat underscores how the sport’s traditional roles are evolving, a trend that could reshape player development for generations.
Key Facts
- Date & Time: October 18, 2025, 7:08 PM PT
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Final Score: Dodgers 5, Brewers 1
- Ohtani’s Line: 3 HR, 6 IP, 0 R, 11 K (official MLB box score pending)
- NLCS MVP: Shohei Ohtani
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s dual‑threat performance affect the Dodgers’ World Series strategy?
The Dodgers now have a genuine two‑way weapon. If they keep Ohtani on the mound, they can rest a starter for later games, but the risk of over‑use could affect his batting. Most analysts expect the club to limit his innings while still exploiting his power at the plate, especially in high‑leverage situations.
What role will Roki Sasaki play in the upcoming World Series?
Sasaki proved he can handle back‑to‑back outings under pressure. Manager Roberts is likely to keep him in the bullpen as a swing‑man, using him in early‑inning high‑leverage spots or to bridge the gap to the closer, depending on matchups.
Why is this NLCS win historically significant for the Dodgers franchise?
It delivers the franchise’s 25th National League pennant and ends a five‑year World Series drought. More importantly, it crowns the first postseason game where a player recorded three homers and double‑digit strikeouts, redefining what’s possible for two‑way athletes.
Who are the Dodgers’ biggest rivals heading into the World Series?
Historically, the Yankees have been the Dodgers’ most storied foe, and they are likely to meet again if New York wins the ALCS. If Houston advances, the series will pit two recent powerhouses against each other, offering a clash of pitching depth versus offensive firepower.
What does this performance mean for the future of two‑way players in MLB?
Ohtani’s success encourages teams to scout and develop athletes capable of contributing both on the mound and at the plate. Expect more organizations to invest in specialized training programs, and we may soon see a new class of players modeled after his rare skill set.