UPDATE: In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Shohei Ohtani delivered a historic performance during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on October 13, 2023, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. As the Dodgers clinched their second consecutive trip to the World Series, Ohtani’s contributions on the mound and at the plate stunned fans and analysts alike.
Ohtani dominated the game, throwing six shutout innings while striking out an impressive 10 batters. In addition, he launched three home runs that traveled a combined distance of 1,342 feet, including an astounding shot that exited Dodger Stadium entirely. This performance is poised to be remembered as one of the greatest single-game displays in baseball history.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts called it, “the greatest night in baseball history,” a sentiment echoed by those who witnessed the extraordinary feat. The game took place in front of 52,883 fans, with millions more tuning in from around the globe, including tens of millions in Japan.
Ohtani’s journey to this remarkable night was anything but smooth. Earlier in the playoffs, he struggled with an uncharacteristic slump, characterized by a series of strikeouts and poor contact at the plate. However, his determination led him to spend extra time in the batting cage prior to the game. According to teammate Max Muncy, Ohtani’s potential was evident, stating, “I said I was expecting nothing short of incredible today. And he proved me wrong. He went beyond incredible.”
The game began with Ohtani walking the leadoff hitter, but he quickly found his rhythm, striking out the next three batters. His offensive prowess was on full display as he became the first pitcher in MLB history to hit a leadoff home run in a postseason game. The excitement built as he added two more home runs, stunning the crowd and his teammates alike.
In the fifth inning, Ohtani’s most jaw-dropping home run of the night sailed a remarkable 469 feet. Teammate Alex Vesia expressed disbelief at the distance, stating, “The ball went out of the stadium!” The Dodgers managed to preserve Ohtani’s perfect pitching line, thanks to a brilliant double play executed by Mookie Betts.
Ohtani’s third home run of the night, showcasing his versatility by hitting off three different pitchers with three different pitches, solidified his place in baseball lore. With this performance, he joined an elite group; prior to this game, only 503 players had hit three home runs in a game, and 1,550 had struck out 10 or more. No player has ever achieved both in a single game—until now.
As the Dodgers prepare for the World Series, Ohtani’s unique blend of talent and determination sets a new standard for excellence in baseball. With the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays battling it out in the American League Championship Series, Ohtani is poised to become a key factor in the upcoming championship. The world waits with bated breath for what this extraordinary athlete will accomplish next.
This unforgettable night has reignited the excitement around baseball, reminding fans of the magic that can occur on the diamond. Shohei Ohtani has not just redefined the game; he has transcended it, making history right before our eyes.
