Shohei Ohtani Leads Dodgers to NLCS Victory

Shohei Ohtani pitching during a night baseball game.

Los Angeles, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In a remarkable Game 4 performance, Shohei Ohtani showcased his dual-threat abilities, pitching six scoreless innings and hitting three home runs. The Dodgers defeated the Brewers 5-1, sweeping the NLCS and earning their second consecutive pennant. Ohtani’s historic feat included striking out 10 batters and hitting a home run that left Dodger Stadium, a rare accomplishment in postseason history. His outstanding performance solidified his status as a key player for the Dodgers as they head to the World Series.

Los Angeles witnessed a historic performance from Shohei Ohtani during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 17. The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a decisive 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, completing a four-game sweep in the series, which earned them their second consecutive NL pennant and a return trip to the World Series.

In a remarkable display of talent, Ohtani showcased his dual-threat capabilities by both pitching and hitting. He struck out 10 batters and pitched for six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and three walks. On the offensive side, Ohtani made headlines by hitting three home runs, including one that traveled out of Dodger Stadium, marking only the 12th time in postseason history that a player has accomplished this feat in a single game.

Ohtani’s first home run was a powerful 446-foot shot, followed by a 469-foot blast for his second of the game. He made history as the first pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB) to lead off a game with a home run. This performance earned him the NLCS MVP trophy following the game, highlighting his impact on the Dodgers’ success.

Prior to this stunning performance, Ohtani had been struggling offensively, batting just 3-for-29 (.103) with only one extra-base hit over his previous seven games. However, he showed his readiness to break out of this slump during an off-day batting practice session where he hit 14 home runs in 32 swings, indicating that he was prepared for the challenge ahead.

The nail-biting matchup drew a crowd of 52,883 fans to Dodger Stadium and was broadcasted to millions of viewers both in Japan and the United States. Ohtani’s performance was characterized by his impressive pitching, with numerous pitches clocked over 100 mph and a devastating splitter that left Brewers hitters bewildered. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has led to comparisons with baseball legends, underscoring his unique place in the sport’s history.

Dodgers manager acknowledged the significance of Ohtani’s performance by describing it as “probably the greatest postseason performance of all time.” With this victory, the Dodgers not only celebrated their current success but also recognized the critical role that Ohtani played in their quest for another championship title.

Key Statistics from Game 4

  • Strikeouts: 10
  • Pitches Allowed: 2 Hits, 3 Walks
  • Home Runs: 3 (First HR: 446 ft, Second HR: 469 ft)
  • Games in SLump: 7 (3-for-29, .103 Avg)
  • Attendance: 52,883 Fans
  • Series Result: Dodgers sweep Brewers 4-0 and win NL Pennant

Background

Shohei Ohtani, renowned for his extraordinary abilities in both pitching and hitting, has set several records and milestones throughout his career. Previously, he had become the first player in MLB history to achieve at least 10 strikeouts and hit two home runs in a single game more than once. His performance during Game 4 of the NLCS exemplified these unique skills, further solidifying his status as one of the best players in baseball.

This NLCS victory continues the Dodgers’ recent dominance following their previous World Series appearance, and Ohtani’s commanding performance is viewed as a key factor in their ongoing success.

FAQ

  • What did Shohei Ohtani achieve during Game 4 of the NLCS?

    Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 batters, allowed 2 hits and 3 walks while hitting 3 home runs, leading the Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Brewers.

  • How many home runs did Ohtani hit during the game?

    Ohtani hit three home runs, one of which went out of Dodger Stadium.

  • What awards did Ohtani receive after the game?

    Ohtani was named the NLCS MVP for his performance.

  • How does this performance rank in postseason history?

    Ohtani’s three home runs in a single game mark only the 12th occurrence in postseason history.

  • What were the key statistics of the Dodgers in the 2023 NLCS?

    The Dodgers completed a four-game sweep of the Brewers, winning the NL pennant for the second consecutive year.

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STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.

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