Shohei Ohtani’s Game‑4 Blast Powers Dodgers Past Mets
When Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two‑way star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, launched a mile‑high homer on October 16, 2025, the NLCS swung in the Dodgers’ favor and the New York Mets were forced into a desperate retreat.
The drama unfolded at Dodger Stadium in front of a 56,000‑strong crowd, turning a shaky Game 3 into a decisive Game 4 victory that sent LA to the World Series against the New York Yankees.
Background: Ohtani’s Dual‑Role Deal
Signed in December 2023 to a ten‑year, $700 million contract, Ohtani became the first modern player to be paid to both pitch and hit at the Major League level. The deal, structured with $680 million in deferred payments at a 4.58 % interest rate, set a new financial ceiling for baseball.
Critics, including ESPN’s Jeff Passan, warned that the workload could sap Ohtani’s bat. Passan noted on a October 10 episode of “Baseball Tonight” that no player since Babe Ruth in 1919 had shouldered such a dual burden in a single postseason.
NLCS Game 3: Struggles and Comments
In Game 3, Ohtani entered the lineup as a designated hitter and posted a meager .182 average (4‑for‑22) with nine strikeouts. During separate interviews with Dodger‑focused outlets Dodger Blue and Dodgers Nation, he tried to put the numbers into perspective.
Speaking in Japanese to Dodgers Nation, Ohtani said, “It’s hard to say if pitching is directly affecting my hitting, but I feel it isn’t.” He added that “quality at‑bats” mattered more than raw totals.
He also praised teammates: outfielder Teoscar Hernández, utility man Enrique "Kiké" Hernández, and rookie right‑hander Rōki Sasaki for clutch plays. The Dodgers had already secured the NL West with a 98‑64 record, giving Ohtani confidence that the team’s depth could carry the load.
Game 4: Historic Home Run
Everything changed at the first pitch of Game 4. Ohtani, now back on the mound for a short relief stint, later stepped up to the plate and went 3‑for‑3. The centerpiece? A towering drive that cleared the right‑field pavilion, landed on Elysian Park Avenue, and became the seventh player ever to hit a ball out of Dodger Stadium since its 1962 debut (the eighth overall, counting a 1997 Mike Piazza and a 1999 Mark McGwire).
The blast ignited a 4‑1 win, clinching the NLCS and sending the Dodgers to the 2025 World Series, scheduled for October 22 at Yankee Stadium.
- Ohtani’s line: 3‑for‑3, 1 HR, 1 BB.
- Dodgers total runs: 4.
- Series result: Dodgers win 4‑1.
- Historical note: 8th total out‑of‑stadium HR at Dodger Stadium.
Reactions from the League and Analysts
League Commissioner Rob Manfred praised the performance as “a reminder of why baseball thrives on unexpected moments.”
Meanwhile, Todd Boehly, the Dodgers’ principal owner, said the franchise’s massive payroll—$258.97 million, second only to the Yankees—was justified by the “championship‑caliber product we’re delivering.”
Field manager Dave Roberts noted, “Shohei showed us that the doubt was just that—doubt. When you have a player of his talent, you trust the process.”
Analysts now recalibrate. The previous concern that Ohtani’s pitching would erode his hitting power appears baseless after his Game 4 breakout. Passan, on a post‑game podcast, admitted, “I was wrong. The data now says his dual role can survive the postseason pressure.”
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
The World Series will pit the Dodgers against the American League champion New York Yankees. A roster shuffle is already underway: injured right‑hander Tyler Glasnow will be replaced by Michael Kopech per MLB Rule 3(h).
If Ohtani can repeat even a fraction of his Game 4 heroics, the Dodgers could finally break the World Series drought that has lingered since 2020. The broader question remains: will his dual‑role model become a template for future superstars, or will the physical toll eventually force a return to single‑position specialization?
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
Ohtani’s Game 4 surge gives the Dodgers a psychological edge and showcases that his dual role won’t hamper his bat. If he maintains even a modest .250 average with power, the Dodgers’ lineup—already powered by Mookie Betts and Teoscar Hernández—will be tough for any pitcher, boosting their World Series odds noticeably.
What led to the doubts about Ohtani’s durability?
In 2024 Ohtani pitched only as a DH after Tommy John surgery, raising concerns that adding pitching back could strain his arm. Analysts pointed to the historical rarity of successful two‑way players in the postseason and highlighted the high‑intensity schedule of the NLCS as a risk factor.
Who were the key contributors for the Dodgers in the NLCS?
Beyond Ohtani, Mookie Betts delivered a clutch RBI double, Teoscar Hernández hit a go‑ahead two‑run single, and rookie pitcher Rōki Sasaki threw a scoreless inning in Game 3. The bullpen’s work, especially from Michael Kopech after the roster change, also kept the Mets at bay.
What changes will the Dodgers need to make for the World Series?
With Tyler Glasnow sidelined, the Dodgers must rely on Michael Kopech and a mix of left‑handed relievers to match up against the Yankees’ lineup. Managing Ohtani’s workload—balancing his pitching appearances with at‑bats—will be crucial to keep him fresh for the six‑game series.
What does Ohtani’s success mean for future two‑way players?
If Ohtani continues to thrive, teams may be more willing to experiment with two‑way contracts, especially for talented athletes who can pitch and hit. However, long‑term health monitoring will be essential, as the physical demands remain unprecedented in modern baseball.
