Shohei Ohtani Makes History in NLCS Game 4

Shohei Ohtani pitching during a night baseball game.

Los Angeles, October 19, 2025

News Summary

In a remarkable performance during Game 4 of the NLCS, a dual-threat player led the Dodgers to a 5-1 victory over the Brewers. He struck out 10 batters and pitched six scoreless innings while also hitting three home runs, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to lead off a game with a home run. This win signifies a consecutive NL pennant for the Dodgers, showcasing a remarkable display of talent and prowess in front of a packed crowd at Dodger Stadium.

Los Angeles

Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) on October 17, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. This win allowed the Dodgers to complete a sweep of the series, clinching the NL pennant for the second consecutive year and securing a spot in the World Series.

Ohtani showcased his remarkable dual-threat capability by striking out 10 batters and pitching six scoreless innings while also hitting three home runs. His pitching performance included allowing only two hits and three walks, resulting in no runs scored against him. The three home runs marked just the 12th time in postseason history that a player has hit three home runs in a single game, further underscoring the significance of his achievement.

The crowd of 52,883 fans at Dodger Stadium witnessed Ohtani make history as he became the first pitcher in MLB history to lead off a game with a home run. His first home run traveled an impressive 446 feet, while the second soared even further at 469 feet. The performance earned him the NLCS MVP trophy and has been described as one of the greatest postseason performances of all time.

Prior to this stellar outing, Ohtani was experiencing a notable offensive slump, batting only .103 with a total of three hits in his last seven games. However, after an intense off-day batting practice session where he hit 14 home runs in just 32 swings, he demonstrated that he was ready to break out of this slump.

The Dodgers’ victory in the NLCS marks an important chapter in their quest for another championship title. Manager Dave Roberts emphasized the importance of Ohtani’s remarkable capabilities, which have drawn comparisons to historic baseball greats, solidifying his place among some of the best players in the sport’s history.

Ohtani’s ability to perform effectively both as a pitcher and a hitter highlights the rarity of such a dual-threat athlete in modern baseball. This performance continues to be a topic of discussion, especially given that Ohtani has achieved the feat of reaching double-digit strikeouts while hitting two or more home runs in a single game on multiple occasions, a record no other player has matched.

The backdrop for Ohtani’s historic performance comes against the increasing popularity of baseball in both the U.S. and internationally, with millions tuning in to watch the game. The significance of this win, bolstered by Ohtani’s dual-threat approach, has energized not just Dodgers fans but baseball enthusiasts worldwide.

Key Statistics from Game 4

  • Strikeouts: 10
  • Pitched Innings: 6
  • Home Runs: 3
  • First Home Run Distance: 446 feet
  • Second Home Run Distance: 469 feet
  • NLCS MVP: Shohei Ohtani
  • Attendance: 52,883

Background

Shohei Ohtani, who has garnered attention for his unique skills, has often been compared to baseball legends in terms of his all-around abilities. His pitching prowess, combined with his hitting ability, places him in a rare category of players that have excelled in both aspects of the game. The Dodgers, building off their previous season’s successes, look forward to competing for the World Series once more, fueled by Ohtani’s extraordinary talent and recent performance.

FAQ

What accomplishments did Shohei Ohtani achieve in Game 4 of the NLCS?

Shohei Ohtani struck out 10 batters, pitched six scoreless innings, and hit three home runs, making him the first pitcher to lead off a game with a home run in MLB history.

How did the Dodgers fare in the NLCS?

The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, winning the series and earning a spot in the World Series.

What was the crowd attendance during the game?

The game was attended by 52,883 fans

How does Ohtani’s performance rank in baseball history?

Ohtani’s performance is considered one of the greatest postseason performances, as he is only the 12th player in postseason history to hit three home runs in a single game.

Chart of Key Features of Ohtani’s Performance

Feature Details
Game Result 5-1 victory over the Brewers
Strikeouts 10
Innings Pitched 6
Home Runs 3
First Home Run Distance 446 feet
Second Home Run Distance 469 feet
NLCS MVP Shohei Ohtani
Attendance 52,883

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STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER

The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia 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 Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.

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