Shohei Ohtani Shines in Game 4 of the NLCS
In a thrilling showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Brewers on October 17, 2025, Shohei Ohtani delivered an unforgettable performance, marking a historic moment for both himself and the franchise. This game, the fourth of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), saw Ohtani not only pitch but also light up the scoreboard as a hitter.
A Phenomenal Start on the Mound
Ohtani, taking the mound as the starting pitcher for the Dodgers, kicked off the game by striking out three batters, showcasing his dominant pitching prowess. He recorded a remarkable fastball speed of over 100 mph, even after walking the leadoff hitter, Brice Turang. This blistering pace set the tone for the Dodgers as they looked to extend their series lead.
Historic Home Run Records
Following his stellar performance on the mound, Ohtani wasted no time shifting gears to his hitting role. In a sensational display of power, he hit a 446-foot home run off former Mets pitcher Jose Quintana, becoming:
- The first pitcher in MLB history to lead off a game with a home run.
- The first Dodgers pitcher to hit a home run in the postseason.
"This is what makes Shohei special," noted a fan in attendance, reflecting the excitement that Ohtani brings to the field.
Second Home Run in the Fourth Inning
Just when fans thought the excitement couldn’t escalate further, Ohtani hit another monumental home run in the fourth inning, this time a staggering 469 feet. He cleared the right-field pavilion, earning roaring applause from the Dodger Stadium crowd.
A Turning Point in the Postseason
Despite entering the game with a lackluster postseason batting average of .158/.273/.368, Ohtani’s impressive performance provided the Dodgers with a much-needed spark. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledged Ohtani’s struggles leading up to this game but remained confident in his abilities. "Shohei is not performing the way he would like or we would expect. But I just know how big of a part he is to this thing," he stated.
Key Plays Following Ohtani’s Homers
Following Ohtani’s explosive start, other Dodgers players also contributed significantly to the game:
- Tommy Edman drove in Mookie Betts.
- Teoscar Hernandez brought home Will Smith.
These crucial plays culminated in a three-run first inning, placing the Dodgers firmly in control of the game.
Commanding 3-0 Series Lead
With this decisive victory, the Dodgers extended their series lead to 3-0, showcasing their dominance against the Brewers. The pitching staff has been exceptional throughout the series, allowing just three runs in total across the first three games.
Conclusion
Ohtani’s performances in the NLCS exemplify why he is a crucial asset to the Los Angeles Dodgers. His historical achievements, combined with the team’s overall strength, position the Dodgers as formidable contenders in this postseason. The ongoing NLCS will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats, with Ohtani leading the charge.
For more details on the NLCS and updates on the Dodgers, visit MLB.com.