Shohei Ohtani once again showed why he’s one of the most unique talents in sports history. He delivered a performance for the ages in Game 3 of the World Series, then stunned everyone by starting on the mound less than 24 hours later.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays went toe-to-toe in a grueling 18-inning battle. Ohtani showcased his offensive firepower and remarkable endurance in a way that fans and analysts won’t forget any time soon.
A Historic Night at the Plate
The Dodgers’ 6-5 marathon win over Toronto instantly felt like a classic. Ohtani was right in the middle of all the action.
Over six hours and 39 minutes, the two-way superstar hit two home runs, drove in three runs, and somehow reached base nine times. That’s wild in any postseason game, but in a contest this long and intense, it just felt monumental.
Setting Records Under Extreme Conditions
Most players can’t keep it together deep into extra innings. Ohtani, though, kept producing against top-tier playoff pitching.
Games like this push athletes to their limits—physically and emotionally. Ohtani stayed poised and productive all the way to the final pitch.
Recovery and Resilience
After the game, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Ohtani needed intravenous fluids because of how much the marathon took out of him. Dodgers security walked him out of the stadium a little after 1 a.m. local time, showing just how much the team wanted to protect their superstar.
ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez said Ohtani got treated for leg cramps before he finally called it a night. He eventually crashed around 2 a.m. PT. Honestly, who wouldn’t?
Quality Rest Before Another Challenge
Ohtani, being Ohtani, downplayed any lingering discomfort. He described his rest as “quality sleep” and talked about how important recovery is for peak performance.
Most players would have taken a day off after all that—but Ohtani had other ideas.
Back to the Mound for Game 4
Somehow, Ohtani started as pitcher for Game 4 the very next day. He threw 93 pitches over six innings, struck out six, and gave up six hits and four runs.
The Dodgers lost 6-1, and his pitching line wasn’t his most dominant. Still, his decision to compete after such a draining Game 3 felt almost unreal.
Managing Expectations and Staying Positive
At the plate in Game 4, Ohtani went 0-for-3 with a walk. Quiet numbers, especially after the fireworks the night before.
Even so, he kept a positive outlook and seemed to value the experience of competing under these wild circumstances.
The Bigger Picture: Ohtani’s Legacy in the Making
Ohtani’s two-way excellence keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pro baseball. His Game 3 heroics and gutsy return to the mound in Game 4 just add to his legend.
Why This Matters for the Dodgers and MLB
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s adaptability and resilience give them an edge in high-pressure postseason environments.
Major League Baseball also benefits. His feats boost the sport’s global appeal, pulling in fans who love seeing power-hitting and elite pitching in one player.
Key takeaways from Ohtani’s back-to-back efforts:
- Game 3: He hit two home runs, drove in three runs, and reached base nine times during that wild 18-inning marathon win.
- He needed IV fluids and recovery treatment after the game. That says a lot.
- Game 4: Threw 93 pitches, struck out six, and lasted six innings—even after the exhausting day before.
- He showed real mental toughness and always put the team first.
Ohtani’s performance wasn’t just about the numbers. He set an example in an era full of load management and pitch counts.
He reminded everyone in baseball about the value of pushing through, taking risks, and just competing when things get tough.
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani Received IVs After Dodgers’ 18-Inning World Series Win vs. Blue Jays
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