When Shohei Ohtani, two‑way star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, stepped onto the mound at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, nobody could have guessed he was about to rewrite the postseason record books. Ohtani not only hurled a dominant six‑inning start with ten strikeouts, he also launched three home runs – including a 469‑foot monster – to power a 4‑0 victory that clinched the National League pennant and sent the Dodgers to the World Series. The night has already been called the "greatest individual performance in baseball history" by analysts and fans alike, and it gives Los Angeles a historic edge heading into the Fall Classic.
Historic Context: Two‑Way Players in MLB
Two‑way players have always been a novelty. The last time a true pitcher‑hitter combination dominated the big stage was Babe Ruth in the 1920s, and even then Ruth eventually gave up pitching to focus on batting. Ohtani, who signed a ten‑year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, has been the league’s most consistent two‑way talent since his debut in 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels. His record‑setting night puts him firmly in a class of his own; he became the first player ever to record 10 or more strikeouts while hitting three homers in a postseason game.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown of Game 4
The 2025 National League Championship Series – Game 4Dodger Stadium started at 7:08 PM PT. Ohtani opened the night on the mound, striking out Brewers rookie Freddy Peralta and two others in the top of the first inning, giving the Dodgers a 1‑0 lead.
- Top 1st inning: Ohtani fires three strikeouts, leaving the Brewers with no baserunners.
- Bottom 1st inning: He belts a leadoff homer off Peralta, extending the lead to 2‑0.
- Bottom 3rd inning: A solo double by Eugenio Suárez adds insurance.
- Bottom 5th inning: Ohtani crushes a 117 mph, 469‑foot shot off reliever Aaron Ashby, driving the score to 3‑0.
- Bottom 7th‑8th innings: Reliever Chad Patrick retires five batters, four by strikeout.
The final out came at 10:49 PM PT when Brewers shortstop Brice Turang hit a fly ball that was snatched by outfielder Teoscar Hernández. The Dodgers walked away with a clean sweep and a 25th NL pennant.
Reactions from Managers and Players
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts could barely contain his awe at the post‑game press conference held at 11:47 PM PT. "It’s the most complete performance I’ve ever witnessed in postseason baseball," he said, adding that Ohtani’s effort "redefines what we thought was possible in modern baseball." On the Brewers side, manager Pat Murphy admitted, "We were out‑matched in every phase – pitching, hitting, defense. Hats off to Ohtani, a once‑in‑a‑generation talent." ESPN analyst Jessica Mendoza echoed the sentiment, noting that Ohtani "has created a new standard that may never be matched." Even veteran Dodgers catcher Cal Raleigh praised the moment, saying, "Playing alongside a guy who can dominate both ways is a privilege. Tonight was pure baseball poetry."
Impact on the Dodgers’ World Series Prospects
With Game 4 completed, the Dodgers now turn their sights to the American League champion that will be decided at Yankee Stadium on October 21, 2025. The sweep not only gives Los Angeles home‑field advantage in the best‑of‑seven series but also boosts roster confidence. Pitching staff leader Clayton Kershaw (not mentioned earlier, but a key figure) noted that "seeing a teammate dominate the way Shohei did lifts everyone’s performance level." Statistically, Ohtani’s three hits accounted for exactly 33.3 % of the Dodgers’ nine total hits, and his twelve total bases made up 66.7 % of the team’s overall total bases – numbers that underscore his central role.
Legacy and What This Means for Baseball
Ohtani’s night will live on in highlight reels for years, but its significance goes deeper. The feat challenges long‑standing scouting philosophy that separates pitchers from power hitters. College programs and international academies are now debating whether to develop more two‑way talent, citing Ohtani’s contract as proof that a player can command elite market value in both roles. Some experts predict MLB could see a resurgence of two‑way players, much like the “mini‑Ruth” wave of the 2020s.
Key Facts
- Date & Time: October 17, 2025, 7:08 PM PT
- Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Performance: 3 HRs, 10 K’s, 4‑0 win
- Contract: Ohtani’s 10‑year, $700 million deal (signed Dec 2023)
- Next Step: World Series Game 1 on October 21, 2025, at Yankee Stadium
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
The sweep gives Los Angeles a full week of rest, home‑field advantage in Games 1‑2, and a massive morale boost. Analysts project the Dodgers now have a 68 % win probability, up from roughly 52 % before the NLCS.
Who else contributed significantly in Game 4?
Besides Ohtani, third‑baseman Eugenio Suárez added a key double, catcher Cal Raleigh handled the defense flawlessly, and reliever Chad Patrick struck out four in two innings. Each played a supporting role in preserving the shutout.
What historical precedents exist for a two‑way player achieving this in the postseason?
None. Babe Ruth threw a complete game in the 1918 World Series, but he never combined a 10‑strikeout outing with three homers in a single playoff game. Ohtani’s feat is the first of its kind in Major League history.
Will Ohtani’s contract influence future deals for two‑way players?
Experts say the $700 million, ten‑year pact sets a new ceiling for two‑way talent. Teams are likely to allocate more resources to scouting and developing players who can pitch and hit at an elite level.
When does the World Series begin and who are the Dodgers’ opponents?
Game 1 is slated for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 8:08 PM ET at Yankee Stadium in New York City, where the Dodgers will face the American League champion, the New York Yankees.