Shohei Ohtani Shines: Dodgers Capture NL Pennant in MLB History-Making Performance
The Game That Launched History
On a remarkable Friday night, the Los Angeles Dodgers achieved a stunning sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers, clinching the National League pennant with a decisive 5-1 victory in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series (NLCS). At the heart of this success was none other than Shohei Ohtani, whose individual performance etched itself into baseball lore as one of the best in MLB playoff history.
A Night of Unprecedented Achievement
Ohtani, the two-way superstar revered for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, delivered a historic performance that left fans and analysts alike in awe. He started off the game with a bang, launching a home run on the very first pitch. Not content with just one, he followed it up with two more home runs — one in the fourth inning, which was blistering at 116.9 mph off the bat and soared 469 feet, and another in the seventh. This remarkable feat made Ohtani the first pitcher ever to hit multiple home runs in a single postseason game.
Dominance on the Mound
But Ohtani’s brilliance didn’t stop at batting. On the mound, he showcased his elite pitching skills by striking out 10 batters over six scoreless innings. He allowed just two hits and three walks, departing the game after putting on two runners at the start of the seventh inning—who ultimately did not score. Such dual-threat capability reinforces Ohtani’s unique and invaluable place in the game.
Turning the Tide of a Sluggish Postseason
Prior to this outstanding game, Ohtani’s postseason performance had faced scrutiny, having recorded a batting average of just .158 with 17 strikeouts across 44 plate appearances. With the Sunday game firmly under his belt, Ohtani significantly raised his postseason stats, marking a turning point in his performance that many had anticipated.
Awards Season Outlook
At age 31, Ohtani is well-positioned to secure his second consecutive NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His regular season was nothing short of spectacular, finishing with a batting average of .282 and a staggering total of 55 home runs—along with 102 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. His contributions as a hitter alone accounted for an estimated 6.6 Wins Above Replacement (WAR).
Remarkably, Ohtani also made a successful return to pitching this season after an extended hiatus, coming back from elbow surgery. His 14 starts yielded a 2.87 ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.89, earning him an additional 1.1 WAR as a pitcher.
Dodgers’ Stats and Historical Context
The Dodgers’ triumph not only signifies their return to the World Series but also stands as a testament to their recent dominance in the postseason. They have now claimed five NL pennants since 2017, solidifying their trajectory as a powerhouse in Major League Baseball. With this victory, they join an elite group — they are the first defending champions to return to the World Series since the 2009 Philadelphia Phillies.
In their previous World Series appearances this decade, the Dodgers have experienced a mix of victory and heartbreak: winning against the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020 and the New York Yankees in 2024, while falling short against the Red Sox in 2018 and the Astros in 2017.
Aiming for Back-to-Back Titles
Pursuing their legacy further, the Dodgers are looking to write a new chapter in history as they aim to become Major League Baseball’s first back-to-back champions in 25 years. The last team to achieve this feat was the New York Yankees, dominating the league between 1998 and 2000.
The Road Ahead
As the Dodgers prepare for their upcoming World Series matchup, they will face the victor of the American League pennant race, currently led by the Seattle Mariners against the Toronto Blue Jays. With Ohtani’s sensational resurgence and the Dodgers’ formidable roster, fans can expect an exciting and tightly contested World Series ahead.