UPDATE: In a stunning display of talent, Shohei Ohtani led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a decisive 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series on October 20, 2023, completing a historic sweep and propelling the team to the World Series.
Ohtani delivered a jaw-dropping performance, hitting three home runs and striking out 10 batters while allowing only two hits through nearly seven innings. This victory marks the Dodgers’ first sweep in an NLCS and sets them up for a chance to become baseball’s first repeat champions in 25 years.
“It was really fun on both sides of the ball today,” Ohtani stated through his interpreter. “As a representative (of the team), I’m taking this trophy, and let’s get four more wins.”
Ohtani’s night began with history; he launched the first-ever leadoff homer by a pitcher in MLB history against Brewers starter José Quintana. He followed up with a 469-foot blast in the fourth and capped his night with a third home run in the seventh, becoming only the 12th player to hit three homers in a playoff game. His homers totaled an astounding 1,342 feet.
This victory propels the Dodgers to their fifth World Series appearance in nine seasons, aiming to join the ranks of baseball’s elite as they chase their first back-to-back titles since the New York Yankees achieved it from 1998 to 2000.
“Absolutely incredible. Biggest stage, and he goes out and does something like that,” praised Freddie Freeman, last season’s World Series MVP. “It’ll probably be remembered as the Shohei Ohtani game.”
After striking out three batters in the first inning, Ohtani left the mound to thunderous applause in the seventh, an ovation reflecting his pivotal role in the game. The Dodgers are now the first team to sweep a best-of-seven postseason series since 2022.
The Dodgers dominated this series against the Brewers, who had a franchise record of wins this season but were eliminated for the third time by Los Angeles during their seven playoff appearances in the last eight years. Milwaukee’s bats were stifled by the Dodgers’ formidable pitching, which allowed only two earned runs across 28 2/3 innings.
Los Angeles will now await the outcome of the American League Championship Series, where the Seattle Mariners lead the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 after a 6-2 win earlier today. The World Series is set to begin next Friday, either at Dodger Stadium or in Toronto.
With Ohtani’s record-setting performance and the Dodgers’ overwhelming success, fans are eager to see if they can secure their place in history as two-time champions. “Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball!” shouted Dodgers manager Dave Roberts during the celebration, encapsulating the excitement surrounding this powerhouse team.