UPDATE: Shohei Ohtani delivered a jaw-dropping performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series on October 13, 2023. This victory completed a historic sweep, propelling the Dodgers back to the World Series.
In a display of unmatched talent, Ohtani hit three home runs and struck out ten batters, solidifying his status as a postseason sensation. His remarkable achievement not only earned him the NLCS MVP award but also marked the Dodgers as the first team to win back-to-back pennants since 2009.
Ohtani’s first homer was historic in its own right, making him the first pitcher to hit a leadoff home run in Major League history. The crowd erupted as he launched a 469-foot bomb in the fourth inning, followed by a third solo shot in the seventh, bringing his total distance for the night to an astounding 1,342 feet. “It was really fun on both sides of the ball today,” Ohtani said through his interpreter, emphasizing his pride in representing the team.
As the Dodgers celebrate their return to the World Series for the 23rd time in franchise history, they are poised to become the first team to repeat as champions since the New York Yankees achieved the feat from 1998 to 2000. The Dodgers will face either the Toronto Blue Jays or the Seattle Mariners in the World Series, with the Mariners currently leading their ALCS series against the Blue Jays.
This playoff run has highlighted Ohtani’s dual-threat capabilities, and his performance on this pivotal night is being hailed as “the Shohei Ohtani game.” Freddie Freeman, last season’s World Series MVP, expressed awe at Ohtani’s performance, stating, “Absolutely incredible. Biggest stage, and he goes out and does something like that.” The Dodgers’ dominant pitching rotation also played a critical role, allowing only two earned runs across the NL playoffs.
The Dodgers dominated the Brewers, a team that set a franchise record for wins this season, eliminating them for the third time in their last eight playoff appearances. The Brewers, who struggled offensively throughout the series, faced a relentless Dodgers team that had not only swept the NLCS but also made a statement by being the first to do so in a best-of-seven series since 2022.
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, they will take a well-deserved week off to regroup. The anticipation builds as fans look forward to potentially witnessing history unfold, with the team aiming for four more wins to secure another championship. “Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball!” exclaimed Dodgers manager Dave Roberts during the postgame celebration, underscoring the team’s determination.
With Ohtani leading the charge, the Dodgers are not just aiming for victory; they are chasing a legacy that could redefine the franchise and the sport itself. Fans and analysts alike are left buzzing with excitement as the World Series approaches, marking a crucial moment in baseball history.
