Shohei Ohtani’s 3‑HR, 6‑IP Masterclass Leads Dodgers to NLCS Sweep

On Friday, October 17, 2025, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the National League pennant with a 5–1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium. The night was defined by a performance that many are already calling the most dominant ever seen in a postseason, courtesy of Shohei Ohtani, the 31‑year‑old Japanese two‑way star who both pitched six shutout innings and belted three home runs, including a 469‑foot monster toward the San Gabriel Mountains.

Game‑by‑Game Highlights

The Dodgers struck early. After Brice Turang walked to open the top of the first, Ohtani answered by whiffing the next three batters—an instant statement of intent. He then launched a leadoff homer in the bottom of the first, a 420‑foot drive that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Two more runs followed in that inning, pushing the lead to 3–0.

In the fourth, Ohtani’s second homer—measured at a precise 469 feet—arched over left‑field bleachers and landed near the foothills of the San Gabriels. A solo shot in the seventh added the fifth run, sealing the outcome. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s lone hit came from catcher William Contreras, who singled off rookie closer Roki Sasaki with two outs in the ninth.

When the final out was recorded, the trophy—officially the Warren Giles National League Championship Series trophy—was presented to the Dodgers, capping a four‑game sweep that silenced a team that topped the regular‑season standings with 108 victories.

How Ohtani Dominated Both Sides of the Diamond

Ohtani’s line reads like a baseball‑fantasy cheat sheet: three homers, nine RBIs, six scoreless innings, and a 0.00 ERA for the postseason. He became the first player ever to hit three home runs in a postseason game *and* pitch at least six innings without surrendering a run.

Pitching-wise, Ohtani relied on a mix of his high‑velocity fastball (reaching 99 mph) and a devastating splitter that kept Brewers hitters off balance. He struck out nine, walked none, and never allowed a baserunner past first base.

At the plate, his power was evident. The first blast traveled 420 feet, the second—his signature long ball—cleared the fence by 49 feet, and the third, a 410‑foot shot to right‑center, completed the night’s heroic résumé.

“I just tried to stay on my game plan and trust my stuff,” Ohtani said in the post‑game press conference. “When you’re on a roll, you keep pushing.”

Reactions from Managers and Teammates

Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ 52‑year‑old manager, praised his star’s stamina. “He’s a once‑in‑a‑generation talent,” Roberts remarked, “and tonight he reminded us why we call him the two‑way wonder.”

Milwaukee’s manager Pat Murphy, visibly disappointed, admitted his club was “out‑gunned” but remained hopeful. “We know the Dodgers are a powerhouse, and we’ll learn from this,” he said.

Teammate Mookie Betts, fresh off a walk‑off in Game 3, added, “Playing with Shohei makes the team feel invincible. His energy lifts everyone.”

Roki Sasaki, who earned his third straight postseason save, reflected on his rapid evolution. “I never recorded a save in the regular season until this year,” Sasaki told reporters, “so to close out a game like this feels surreal.”

What the Sweep Means for the Postseason Landscape

The Brewers entered the NLCS as the team with the best regular‑season record in MLB, yet the Dodgers dispatched them in four straight games—a rarity that underscores the depth of Los Angeles’ roster. It also marked only the second sweep in Dodgers’ history of a seven‑game series, the first occurring back in 1963 when they beat the New York Yankees in the World Series.

Statistically, the Dodgers’ five pennants in nine seasons (2017, 2018, 2020, 2024, 2025) now top the wild‑card era for National League teams, surpassing the Atlanta Braves, San Francisco Giants, and St. Louis Cardinals, each with four.

Baseball analyst Jeff Passan of MLB.com called the performance “a watershed moment for postseason baseball—rarely have we seen a single player dominate both the mound and the batsite to this extent.” The sweep also solidifies Los Angeles as the defending champions from 2024, positioning them as the team to beat in the upcoming World Series.

Looking Ahead to the World Series

With the NL pennant secured, the Dodgers now await the winner of the American League Championship Series, slated to feature the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. The World Series is set to tip‑off on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Dodgers’ home park, giving Los Angeles a built‑in advantage.

Owner Mark Walter and GM Brandon Gomes have emphasized the importance of staying healthy. “Our roster depth is our greatest asset,” Walter said in a recent interview. “If we can keep this momentum, the championship is within reach.”

Fans can expect Ohtani to continue his two‑way domination, while the bullpen—anchored by Sasaki—looks ready to protect leads. As for the Brewers, they will regroup and aim to bounce back next season, hoping to translate their 108‑win regular‑season success into another postseason run.