Ohtani Dazzles as Dodgers Triumphantly Return to World Series
In an unforgettable display of skill, Shohei Ohtani led the Los Angeles Dodgers back to the World Series. This remarkable performance took place during Game Four of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium. Ohtani not only excelled as a pitcher but also dazzled as a hitter.
Shohei Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Night
Ohtani was awarded the NLCS Most Valuable Player for his extraordinary achievements. He struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings and launched three home runs, making MLB history. This performance marked several significant milestones:
- First player to hit three home runs and pitch with 10 strikeouts in the same playoff game.
- First pitcher to hit multiple home runs in any postseason game.
- First pitcher to hit a leadoff home run in any MLB game.
Impact on the Game
The match turned Ohtani into the player everyone was talking about. He began his outing by striking out three batters after walking the first. In the bottom of the first inning, he hit a leadoff home run. His fourth-inning homer flew out of Dodger Stadium, cementing a 4-0 lead for the Dodgers. He added another homer in the seventh, sealing the team’s four-game series sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Reflecting on Ohtani’s performance, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated, “That was probably the greatest postseason performance of all time.” His teammate Mookie Betts compared Ohtani to Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls, highlighting the immense impact of his talent.
Reactions from Legends
Influential sports figures praised Ohtani’s performance. J.J. Watt, a notable NFL Defensive Player of the Year, expressed on social media, “Gotta be one of the greatest athletic performances in history. Never seen anything like Shohei.”
Magic Johnson, a Dodgers part-owner and NBA legend, remarked, “We’ve seen a baseball player hit three HRs in a playoff game and a pitcher throw a two-hitter with 10 strikeouts—but we’ve never seen one player do both like Shohei did tonight!”
Former tennis champion and Dodgers part-owner Billie Jean King shared her excitement on social media. She celebrated Ohtani’s performance with a post featuring him and her partner, stating, “We were so fortunate to have witnessed the greatest performance by Shohei Ohtani.”
A Humble Champion
Despite the accolades, Ohtani remained humble. After receiving the MVP award, he emphasized teamwork: “We won it as a team, and this was really a team effort.” He expressed his hope that fans in Los Angeles, Japan, and around the world could enjoy the celebration together.
What’s Next for the Dodgers?
The reigning champion Dodgers are set to face either the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The Mariners currently lead the American League Championship Series 3-2 and have a chance to clinch the series with a win on October 18.
