The Los Angeles Dodgers are well on their way back to the World Series, and there are two compelling reasons to support this claim: they are playing at the iconic Dodger Stadium, and Shohei Ohtani is dominating both on the mound and at the plate.
Already, Ohtani has delivered a remarkable performance. In the 1st inning, he blasted a lead-off home run and recorded three strikeouts. Notably, Ohtani made Dodgers history by becoming the first pitcher to hit a home run in the playoffs. His dominance continued in the 4th inning when he launched a massive 469-yard homer into right field, according to Talkin’ Baseball. This was his second home run of the game, leaving his teammates astonished.
This performance provides Ohtani a massive sigh of relief after experiencing some postseason struggles. Currently, he is batting just .158 with five hits, two home runs, and six RBIs in the playoffs. By contrast, during the regular season, Ohtani hit .282 with 55 home runs and 102 RBIs. In addition to his offensive contributions, he is a primary frontrunner for the National League MVP award, and his exploits in Game 4 only bolster his case.
### Shohei Ohtani: The 21st-Century Babe Ruth
It is hard to say anyone could match the magnetism of Babe Ruth, a larger-than-life figure who transcended the game as both a pitcher and a slugger. However, an exception might be made for Shohei Ohtani. Since his journey from Japan to the Major Leagues, Ohtani has become a prominent fixture in baseball culture, celebrated as the first true dual-threat player of pitching and hitting since Ruth.
In the postseason, Ohtani has been nothing short of stellar on the mound. During Game 1 of the ALDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, he pitched six innings and struck out nine batters. In Game 4 of the NLCS, Ohtani recorded 10 strikeouts. Very few players can boast 10 strikeouts and two home runs in a pennant-clinching game — a feat that even Babe Ruth cannot claim.
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what it means to be a two-way player and is cementing his legacy as one of baseball’s most extraordinary talents. The Dodgers’ hopes for another World Series appearance are closely tied to his remarkable abilities, making him a player to watch as the postseason unfolds.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/dodgers-news-shohei-ohtani-nlcs-game-4-home-run
