World Series: Shohei Ohtani heroics help Los Angeles Dodgers beat Milwaukee Brewers
Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the greatest performances in baseball history as the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series.
Japan’s Ohtani hit three huge home runs and struck out 10 Brewers batters in a comprehensive 5-1 victory as the Dodgers won the series 4-0.
The 31-year-old’s home run and 10-hit triple in the same game are a postseason record in Major League Baseball, underscoring a rare ability to excel with the bat and the ball.
Ohtani also became the first pitcher to hit three home runs in the same game since Jim Tobin of the Boston Braves in 1942.
“Today was really fun on both sides of the ball,” said Ohtani, who was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for his heroics.
“I’m taking this cup and let’s get four more wins. We won this as a team and it’s truly a team effort. I hope everyone in Los Angeles, Japan and all over the world can enjoy a truly beautiful love.” [Japanese rice wine]”
Ohtani entered the game following an eight-game home run drought at Dodger Stadium, but led the way by striking out three batters in the opening frame.
He then starred with the bat in a performance that included a crushing 446-foot home run and a monster 469-foot strike that bounced out of the stadium.
This marked another historic showing from Ohtani, who last year became the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
“This was probably the best postseason performance of all time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“He’s the best player on the planet for a reason. It’s something you don’t expect, expect him to do.
“This is a performance I’ve never seen before. No one has ever seen anything like this. I still admire Shohei right now.”
The Dodgers’ comfortable victory paves the way for a World Series matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners, with the Seattle Mariners holding a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
