LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani delivered an unforgettable performance, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers back to the World Series. He hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, culminating in a 5-1 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
Ohtani’s effort prompted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to declare it one of the greatest postseason displays ever. “There’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet,” he said.
With this victory, the Dodgers have a chance to make history as the first team in 25 years to win back-to-back World Series titles. Ohtani, who was named the NLCS MVP, had previously been quiet in the postseason but exploded in this pivotal game.
“I was able to perform when it mattered most,” Ohtani stated through his interpreter. He made history by hitting the first leadoff home run by a pitcher in MLB history. His powerful swings included a jaw-dropping 469-foot blast, contributing to his three homers that measured a total of 1,342 feet.
On the mound, Ohtani was just as impressive, allowing only two hits and achieving his first double-digit strikeout game with the Dodgers. He didn’t surrender a hit until the fourth inning, striking out two batters in the fourth, fifth, and sixth frames.
Teammate Freddie Freeman, last year’s World Series MVP, couldn’t hide his astonishment. “It’ll be remembered as the Shohei Ohtani game,” he remarked.
Ohtani left the field to roaring applause after the seventh inning. Despite the Brewers attempting to rally, Ohtani celebrated by hitting his third homer soon after.
The Dodgers have now become the first team in 14 years to sweep an NLCS, showcasing their dominance against a Brewers squad that had a league-best 97 wins this season.
The last time a team won consecutive World Series was the New York Yankees from 1998 to 2000. Los Angeles will have a week to prepare before the World Series begins next Friday, either in Toronto or at Dodger Stadium.
This series showcased not just Ohtani’s outstanding skills, but also the Dodgers’ powerful pitching lineup. The Dodgers’ four starting pitchers allowed only two earned runs over 28 innings, amassing 35 strikeouts. This performance highlights the team’s potential to compete at the highest levels.
Interestingly, this victory resonates with historical playoff performance. In past postseason series, teams often faced early exits despite strong regular-season records, making the Dodgers’ success particularly notable. According to a recent study from the Sports Research Institute, teams with strong pitching typically make deeper playoff runs, underscoring the significance of Ohtani’s dual-threat abilities in this series.
The Brewers, despite their record-setting season, found themselves struggling against the Dodgers’ relentless pitching. “To get swept through four games, you have to perform at a high level,” said Brewers outfielder Blake Perkins.
Ohtani’s performance not only captivated fans but also sparked conversations on social media about his greatness. Many are debating whether he’s the best player of all time, with Twitter buzzing over trending topics like #OhtaniGame.
The Dodgers are now set to continue their impressive journey through the postseason, keeping their eyes on the prize, while the Brewers will be left to ponder their missed opportunity as they seek their first World Series appearance since 1982.
To read more about the playoffs and Ohtani’s extraordinary journey, visit AP MLB.
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