Ohtani Delivers Three Home Runs as Dodgers Head Back to World Series

Shohei Ohtani powered the Los Angeles Dodgers to another World Series appearance, hitting three home runs and dominating from the mound in a 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Dodgers swept the National League Championship Series and advanced to the Fall Classic for the second time in two years, with Ohtani putting on one of the greatest postseason performances in recent memory.

Ohtani’s Three-Home-Run Night Ignites Dodger Stadium

The Dodgers jumped out to an early 3-0 lead in the first inning after Ohtani opened with a leadoff homer. He struck again in the fourth, sending a 469-foot blast over the roof of Dodger Stadium, and later added a third home run to the roaring approval of fans chanting “MVP.” On the mound, Ohtani struck out ten batters and gave up only two hits before being relieved in the seventh inning. After the game, he said through an interpreter that he was proud to represent his team and his country, adding, “Let’s get four more wins.”

Dodgers Look Ahead to the World Series

The Dodgers’ win capped a dominant postseason that began with a sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round and a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies in the division series. Los Angeles entered the night leading all playoff teams with a 2.60 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and a .174 opponent batting average, according to Baseball Reference. Blake Snell, who improved to 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA in the playoffs, said Ohtani’s three home runs were “crazy,” while first baseman Freddie Freeman called the performance “special.”

The Dodgers will face either the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, with Seattle holding a 3-2 lead in the American League Championship Series after a 6-2 win. The Dodgers are aiming for their third championship since 2020, backed by MLB’s most expensive roster and the game’s biggest superstar.

Despite his record-breaking night, Ohtani credited the team’s collective effort. “We won it as a team, and this was really a team effort,” he said. “I hope everyone in Los Angeles, Japan, and all over the world can enjoy a really good sake.”