Dodgers Sweep to World Series — Ohtani Dominates on Both Sides of the Ball

In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5–1 at Dodger Stadium, sweeping the series 4–0 and advancing to the World Series for the second consecutive year.
Starting as both the leadoff hitter and pitcher, Shohei Ohtani (31) delivered a breathtaking performance — hitting three home runs and striking out ten batters in six scoreless innings — earning him the Series MVP award. From the very first inning, Ohtani seized control both on the mound and at the plate, leading the Dodgers to a historic league championship with his unprecedented two-way brilliance.

Unprecedented Feat: 3 Home Runs and 10 Strikeouts in a Single Game

On this day, Ohtani struck out the side in the first inning, then immediately launched a leadoff home run in his first at-bat, electrifying the stadium. In the fourth inning, he smashed a towering 469-foot (approx. 143-meter) blast over the right-field stands, and in the seventh, he added a third homer to left-center field to seal the victory.
Ohtani pitched six-plus scoreless innings, allowing just two hits while throwing as fast as 100.3 mph (161.4 km/h) and fanning ten batters. According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, Ohtani is the first player in MLB history — regular season or postseason — to hit three home runs and record ten strikeouts in the same game.
He also became just the third pitcher ever to hit three home runs in a single game, and the first in 83 years since Jim Tobin in 1942. Moreover, his leadoff home run as a starting pitcher marked another historic first in Major League history, making this a truly record-breaking performance.

Managers and Opponents Awestruck: “The Greatest Performance Ever”

After the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts spoke with barely contained excitement:
“That was probably the greatest postseason performance ever. That’s why he’s the greatest player on the planet.”
Ohtani, who had struggled offensively early in the postseason, earned Roberts’ full confidence:
“The expectations on him are almost impossible to meet. But Shohei always stays composed and never loses confidence. With that kind of talent, we knew the results would come.”
Roberts added that Ohtani was “in the zone,” capturing the momentum and morale that had spread throughout the team.
On the opposing side, Brewers ace and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell could only laugh in disbelief:
“It’s crazy, man. I can’t do that,” he admitted, tipping his cap to Ohtani’s two-way dominance.
In this decisive game, where victory meant a World Series berth, Ohtani’s three-homer, ten-strikeout performance drew admiration and astonishment from teammates and opponents alike.

Team Morale Soars — Mookie Betts: “He’s on Another Level. There’s No Comparison.”

During the MVP award ceremony, Ohtani said,
“I’m accepting this on behalf of everyone. We have four more to win, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got,”
sending the home crowd into thunderous cheers.
He later inscribed “Team Effort” on his MVP trophy and placed it in the clubhouse to express gratitude toward his teammates.
Mookie Betts reflected on the gesture:
“That means a lot. Shohei helps us every single day, but that shows he truly understands this is the result of everyone’s effort.”

When asked about Ohtani’s unparalleled talent, Betts replied:

“Is there anyone else who can throw 100 mph and hit 50 home runs with 50 stolen bases? No, there isn’t.
He’s the only player who could be MVP both as a pitcher and a hitter. That’s why I think he’s the greatest ever.
He’s still in the middle of his career, but based on what we’ve seen so far, you have to say it.”

Betts concluded:

“He’s truly in a class of his own. No one else can do what he does — 10 strikeouts and 3 home runs in one game.
Maybe someone’s done one or the other before, but doing both? That’s Shohei. There’s no comparison.”

The story of Shohei Ohtani, a once-in-a-century two-way phenomenon, continues to inspire his teammates and fans alike. Having already rewritten baseball history in countless ways this season, Ohtani now sets his sights on the first World Series of his career, with the world eagerly watching every moment of his journey.