UPDATE: In a jaw-dropping display of athleticism, Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on October 13, 2023, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in baseball history. The Los Angeles Dodgers triumphed over the Milwaukee Brewers with a decisive 5-1 victory, clinching a spot in the World Series for the second consecutive year.
Ohtani’s performance was nothing short of miraculous: he struck out 10 batters over six shutout innings while hitting a record-breaking three home runs that soared a combined 1,342 feet, one even leaving Dodger Stadium entirely. This game captivated not just the 52,883 fans present, but millions watching worldwide, including tens of millions in Japan.
The night marked a remarkable turnaround for Ohtani, who had been struggling offensively prior to this game. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts dubbed it, “the greatest night in baseball history,” and few would dispute that claim after witnessing Ohtani’s incredible feats.
As the game unfolded, Ohtani’s performance became a captivating spectacle. After walking the leadoff hitter, he struck out the next three batters with fastballs exceeding 100 mph. He then made history by hitting the first leadoff homer by a pitcher in postseason history, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The excitement only grew when Ohtani launched another home run in the fourth inning, leaving fans and teammates alike in disbelief.
In the fifth inning, Ohtani displayed his dual-threat prowess yet again, smashing a 469-foot homer off a 99-mph pitch, a feat that seemed almost mythical. His teammates rallied around him, with Will Smith reflecting on how extraordinary the night felt in hindsight: “I didn’t really appreciate it until after. Like, he actually did that?”
Ohtani’s performance is unprecedented: he is now the only player in MLB history to hit three home runs and strike out ten batters in the same game. Over the past eight years, he has consistently transformed expectations for what is possible in baseball, setting an impossible standard that few can aspire to match.
Despite the Brewers’ strong regular season, Ohtani’s brilliance was too much for them to handle, and the Dodgers’ victory serves as a warning to the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays—the American League Championship Series is heating up, and Ohtani is poised to make an impact.
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, Ohtani’s performance in Game 4 will be remembered as one of the finest displays of athletic excellence in baseball history. The anticipation for what comes next is palpable, as fans and analysts alike look forward to seeing what this incredible athlete will do next.
