What's happened
Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance in Game 4 of the NLCS, hitting three home runs and striking out 10 batters as a pitcher, helping the Dodgers sweep the Brewers and advance to the World Series. This marks a rare dual achievement in MLB history.
What's behind the headline?
Shohei Ohtani's performance in Game 4 of the NLCS is a historic milestone in MLB. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter in the same game defies traditional specialization in baseball. The fact that he became the first player in MLB history to hit three homers and record 10 strikeouts in a postseason game underscores his exceptional talent.
This performance also highlights the strategic importance of two-way players in modern baseball, challenging the conventional separation of pitching and batting roles. Ohtani's dominance on both sides of the ball will likely influence team strategies and player development for years to come.
Furthermore, his performance has significant implications for the Dodgers' championship ambitions. With their pitching staff's recent dominance and Ohtani's historic night, the team is positioned strongly to contend in the World Series. This game may also elevate Ohtani's status as one of the greatest players in MLB history, given the rarity and magnitude of his achievements.
Looking ahead, Ohtani's performance could inspire a new era of versatile players, potentially reshaping team compositions and scouting priorities. The baseball community will watch closely to see if this game marks the beginning of a new standard for two-way excellence.
What the papers say
The Independent and NY Post both highlight Ohtani's historic night, emphasizing his dual role as pitcher and hitter. The NY Post focuses on the game-winning impact and his dominance in the postseason, while The Independent provides detailed statistics and context about his achievements. Both sources agree on the significance of his performance, with The Independent noting his breaking of multiple records and the first leadoff homer by a pitcher in postseason history. The NY Post underscores the game’s importance in securing the Dodgers' World Series spot and Ohtani's exceptional contribution to the team's success.
How we got here
Ohtani, a two-way player for the Dodgers, has been a standout in MLB, known for his pitching and hitting. His postseason performance in 2025 has been underwhelming until this game, where he broke multiple records, including the first leadoff homer by a pitcher in postseason history. The Dodgers are aiming for their third consecutive World Series appearance, with Ohtani's performance crucial to their success.
Go deeper
- How does this game compare to other great postseason performances?
- What records did Ohtani break in this game?
- What are the implications for the Dodgers' World Series chances?
More on these topics
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The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League Central division.
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are an American professional baseball team based in Los Angeles, California. The Dodgers compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the National League West division.
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Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed "Sho Time", is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Major League Baseball.