Shohei Ohtani’s GOAT Game: Dodgers Clinch NLCS in Game 4

The Los Angeles Dodgers have punched their ticket to the World Series for the second straight year. They did it in wild, unforgettable fashion thanks to the one and only Shohei Ohtani.

In Game 4 of the NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Japanese superstar delivered a performance folks will be talking about for decades. He dominated on the mound and unleashed jaw-dropping power at the plate.

This wasn’t just another postseason win. It felt like a once-in-a-generation showcase of two-way brilliance that left everyone—fans, teammates, even opponents—kind of stunned.

Ohtani’s Historic Night on the Big Stage

With the pennant on the line, Ohtani faced the Brewers’ loaded offense. He threw six scoreless innings, struck out 10, and only gave up two hits.

That alone is a postseason gem. But Ohtani wasn’t done—he blasted three solo home runs and drew a key walk, becoming the first player ever to hit three homers in a playoff game where he also pitched.

Statistically Among the Greatest Ever

His combined contributions measured at 0.71 situational wins (WPA/LI). That’s the second-highest single-game total in postseason history, behind only Pablo Sandoval in the 2012 World Series opener.

That metric really highlights how Ohtani’s offense and pitching both sealed the Dodgers’ win—and their spot in the 2024 Fall Classic.

Comparisons to Baseball Legends

People are already mentioning Ohtani’s feat alongside some of the game’s most legendary postseason performances. Names like Babe Ruth, Don Larsen, and Roy Halladay come up now.

But honestly, no stat can quite sum up the scale of what he did. When you mix the rarity with the impact, it just feels like instant baseball lore.

Silencing the Critics

For years, skeptics wondered if pitching so much would hurt Ohtani’s hitting. On this night, under postseason pressure, he showed that his talents don’t clash—they work together.

Those three home runs weren’t just highlights. They were proof he can thrive as a two-way star even on the sport’s biggest stage.

The Dodgers’ Dominance in the NLCS

Ohtani’s heroics stole the show, but the Dodgers’ overall performance mattered too. Their rotation set an NLCS record with a 0.63 ERA, shutting down Milwaukee’s bats all series long.

That kind of pitching depth, plus an offense powered by stars like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, just reminds you why L.A. is considered a powerhouse.

A Celebration Worth the Spotlight

Manager Dave Roberts didn’t hold back during the pennant celebration, even joking that the Dodgers might be “ruining baseball” with how dominant they are.

Team president Stan Kasten took it further, hinting that Ohtani might somehow top this in the World Series. Can you even imagine?

Why This Game Will Be Remembered

Postseason baseball is all about those rare, breathtaking moments that stick with you. Ohtani’s night in NLCS Game 4 wasn’t just his personal triumph—it’s the kind of thing that makes people fall in love with the sport all over again.

Watching one player own both sides of the game at that level? It kind of makes you rethink what’s possible. And honestly, it just deepens the appreciation for greatness when you see it up close.

Key Takeaways from Ohtani’s NLCS Game 4

• First player ever to hit three home runs in a postseason game while also pitching.
• Pitched six scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts. He allowed just two hits.
• Recorded 0.71 WPA/LI. That’s the second-best mark ever in the postseason.
• Helped the Dodgers grab their second straight National League pennant with a 5–1 win.
• Continued to build his case as one of the game’s most legendary postseason performers.

When the Dodgers start rolling toward another championship, games like this just stick with you. Shohei Ohtani’s Game 4—honestly, folks will be telling stories about it for decades, not just rattling off the numbers, but remembering how a single night can shake up what we expect from baseball greatness.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Words (and Stats) Struggle to Capture Shohei Ohtani’s GOAT Game