2025 MLB Playoffs: Ohtani Shines, Dodgers Win NLDS Game 1

The opening game of the NL Division Series had everything baseball fans crave — drama, star power, and moments that stick with you. On Saturday night, Shohei Ohtani finally made his first postseason start on the mound.

The night wasn’t perfect, but Ohtani showed what resilience really looks like. He struck out nine and, thanks to a late offensive surge, the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-3 to grab a 1-0 series lead.

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Postseason Pitching Debut

People have wondered for years how Ohtani’s unreal talent would hold up in October. Saturday’s Game 1? That was the answer.

Ohtani gave up three runs on three hits over six innings. He flashed both vulnerability and dominance, sometimes in the same inning.

Overcoming Early Trouble

The Phillies got on the board in the second. J.T. Realmuto ripped a two-run triple, and Harrison Bader hit a sacrifice fly to make it 3-0.

The crowd felt the momentum shift. Ohtani, though, stayed calm — something manager Dave Roberts would later highlight.

After that rocky inning, Ohtani locked in. He completely shut down Philadelphia’s biggest threats — Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper — holding them hitless in nine combined at-bats with five strikeouts.

Neutralizing the heart of the Phillies’ lineup really defined his night.

The Dodgers’ Decisive Seventh-Inning Rally

Even with Ohtani keeping things steady, the Dodgers’ offense stayed quiet until late. Then Teoscar Hernández stepped up in the seventh and changed everything.

Hernández Delivers Under Pressure

With two runners on, Hernández crushed a three-run homer. Suddenly, the Dodgers went from trailing 3-2 to leading 5-3.

That swing flipped the script and let Roberts turn things over to the bullpen. Tyler Glasnow came in to finish off the Phillies.

Ohtani’s Mixed Night at the Plate

Funny enough, Ohtani’s biggest struggles happened at the plate. He struck out four times and only got on base with a walk in the ninth.

But honestly, his pitching more than made up for it.

Generational Talent on Full Display

October baseball tends to expose flaws. In Ohtani’s case, it highlighted just how adaptable and tough he is.

He shook off that rough second inning and threw four shutout frames to finish his outing. It’s just another reminder of why he’s a once-in-a-generation player.

Key Takeaways from Dodgers vs. Phillies Game 1

This NLDS opener had plenty going on, from gutsy pitching to timely hitting. Here’s what stood out:

• Resilience Matters: Ohtani’s bounce-back after a shaky start set the tone for the Dodgers.
• Middle of the Order Shutdown: Keeping Turner, Schwarber, and Harper quiet kept Philadelphia’s offense in check.
• One Swing Changes Everything: Hernández’s big homer in the seventh was the turning point.
• Managerial Praise: Dave Roberts made it clear — poise and preparation matter in October.

The Road Ahead

Now the Dodgers are up 1-0, and the pressure’s on Philadelphia for Game 2. The Phillies need their top hitters to wake up, while Los Angeles hopes to ride the wave from this dramatic opener.

Ohtani’s October Legacy Begins

One game doesn’t define a postseason career. Still, Ohtani’s debut felt unforgettable.

The Dodgers put their trust in their ace. He delivered with command and a calm that’s hard to teach.

If he keeps pitching like this, October might finally be his month. Maybe this is the moment he joins the legends.

For fans, Game 1 was more than just a win for Los Angeles. It kicked off a story that could turn into one of the decade’s most fascinating playoff runs—Ohtani facing postseason pressure and rising to meet it.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB playoffs 2025: Shohei Ohtani delivers masterful outing on the mound, with 3-run second the only blip, in Dodgers’ NLDS Game 1 win vs. Phillies