UPDATE: Shohei Ohtani has just led the Los Angeles Dodgers to a stunning 5-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, sweeping the National League Championship Series (NLCS) and securing a spot in the World Series. This landmark achievement comes after Ohtani’s jaw-dropping performance, where he hit three home runs and struck out 10 batters, dominating the field in Game 4 on October 13, 2023.
Ohtani’s historic night marks a significant return to form after a quieter postseason. The Dodgers now have a chance to become baseball’s first repeat champions in 25 years. Ohtani, named the NLCS MVP, expressed his excitement, saying, “It was really fun on both sides of the ball today. As a representative of the team, I’m taking this trophy, and let’s get four more wins.”
In a record-setting night, Ohtani made history by hitting the first leadoff homer by a pitcher in Major League Baseball. His first shot came off Brewers’ starter Jose Quintana, followed by a monstrous 469-foot blast in the fourth inning. Ohtani’s third homer in the seventh inning solidified his status as only the 12th player in MLB history to hit three homers in a playoff game, with a combined distance of 1,342 feet for all three.
The Dodgers are now the first team to win back-to-back league pennants since the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009. They have advanced to the World Series for the 23rd time in franchise history, with this being their fifth appearance in the last nine seasons. The team aims to emulate the New York Yankees, who last won three consecutive championships from 1998 to 2000.
Freddie Freeman, last year’s World Series MVP, praised Ohtani’s performance, stating, “Sometimes you’ve got to check yourself and touch him to make sure he’s not just made of steel. Absolutely incredible. Biggest stage, and he goes out and does something like that.” The atmosphere at Dodger Stadium was electric as Ohtani left the mound to a thunderous ovation, highlighting the significance of the moment.
The Dodgers have now completed a 9-1 run through the NL playoffs, showcasing their dominance against the Brewers, who had a record-setting season but fell short in the postseason. Milwaukee has been eliminated by the Dodgers for the third time in the last eight years of playoff appearances and is still seeking its first World Series appearance since 1982.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will take a week off before the World Series begins next Friday, either in Toronto or at Dodger Stadium against the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners are currently leading the American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 and will continue their playoff run this Sunday.
As the Dodgers celebrate their historic sweep, manager Dave Roberts shouted to the crowd, “Let’s get four more wins and really ruin baseball!” With a potent lineup and a formidable pitching rotation, the Dodgers are set to make history in the upcoming World Series.
Stay tuned for further updates as the World Series approaches.
