Oct, 18 2025
When Shohei Ohtani, Designated Hitter and pitcher for Los Angeles Dodgers turned the lights on at Dodger Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, the baseball world witnessed a performance that felt like a live‑action highlight reel. The National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium Game 4 ended 5‑1 in favor of the Los Angeles Dodgers, completing a four‑game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. The win propelled the Dodgers to the 2025 World Series, scheduled to tip‑off on Tuesday, October 21, against the American League champion.
- Date: October 17, 2025
- Venue: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA
- Final Score: Dodgers 5, Brewers 1
- Key Player: Shohei Ohtani – 3 HR, 10 K
- Umpire: Adam Beck
Historic Dual‑Threat Performance by Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani opened the game with a solo blast to left‑center, then proceeded to strike out the side in the top of the first. By the third inning he’d already piled up three home runs – a leadoff shot, a two‑run double‑triple‑play‑avoiding homer in the second, and a towering solo round‑the‑fences in the sixth. While the bat was on fire, his arm wasn’t far behind: ten strikeouts across seven innings, including a clutch whiff of veteran pitcher Tommy Edmond in the fifth. Sportsnet called the night “a performance for the ages,” and former MLB analyst John Anderson likened it to “the Babe Ruth of the 21st century, only faster and better at throwing.”
Game Flow and Key Moments
The Dodgers seized momentum early. After Ohtani’s first‑inning homer, Freddie Freeman added an RBI single in the second, making it 2‑0. Milwaukee’s best chance came in the third when Jackson Churio clipped a ball down the left‑field line, narrowly missing a solo shot and settling for an automatic double. The Brewers tried to rally – Christian Yelich struck a sharp grounder that forced a “productive out” from Mookie Betts, leaving a runner at third with one out. By the end of the fourth inning the Dodgers led 3‑0, thanks to another Ohtani homer and a run‑scoring single by Sal Frelick that turned a potential double into an out.
In the sixth, Ohtani’s third home run put the game out of reach. The Brewers managed a lone run in the seventh on a sacrifice fly, but the final out came when Freddie Freeman popped a high fly ball to right, which Freick snapped up for the final catch. Home plate umpire Adam Beck confirmed the game’s end with a crisp “Game over, Dodgers win the pennant.”
Reactions from Players and Management
After the final out, Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten addressed the crowd: “We’ve been building toward this moment for years, and seeing Shohei do what he did – it’s the ultimate proof that our philosophy works.” Brewers General Manager Mark Attanasio was more sober: “We’re disappointed, but we have a young core that will bounce back. Credit to Los Angeles; they were simply better tonight.”
From the mound, Ohtani, still winded, shrugged and said, “I just tried to help the team any way I could. The kids at home are watching, and that’s all that matters.”
What the Sweep Means for the Dodgers and Brewers
The sweep marks the Dodgers' first National League pennant since 2020, ending a five‑year drought and guaranteeing a spot in the 119th World Series. Their regular‑season record of 93‑69 (52‑29 at home) now looks solid, but the real story is the depth they showed – five players with a .300+ average in the postseason, and a bullpen that held the Brewers to one run after the fourth inning.
For Milwaukee, the 97‑65 regular‑season finish (45‑36 on the road) still ranks among the franchise’s best. Yet losing three straight at home highlights a glaring issue: late‑inning pitching depth. Analysts predict the Brewers will prioritize adding a left‑handed reliever in the upcoming free‑agency period.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 World Series
The World Series kicks off on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with the Dodgers set to face the American League champion – the Houston Astros. If Ohtani repeats even half of his NLCS heroics, the series could tilt dramatically in Los Angeles’ favor. In the meantime, the Dodgers will enjoy a short five‑day rest before traveling to Houston, while the Brewers return to Milwaukee to regroup and plan for the offseason.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the sweep affect the Brewers' offseason plans?
The loss exposes a need for stronger late‑inning relief. Milwaukee’s front office is expected to target a veteran left‑handed reliever and possibly a backup starter in the upcoming free‑agency market, while also reviewing their defensive positioning after the late‑inning miscues against the Dodgers.
Who was the standout player for the Dodgers in Game 4?
Undoubtedly Shohei Ohtani. He belted three home runs, struck out ten batters, and drove in three runs, delivering the first-ever combined three‑HR, ten‑K postseason game in MLB history.
What historical precedents exist for a player hitting three homers and striking out ten in a postseason game?
Only a handful of players have logged a three‑home‑run game in the playoffs – most notably Babe Ruth (1926) and Reggie Jackson (1977). None combined it with double‑digit strikeouts until Ohtani, making his 2025 NLCS Game 4 a once‑in‑a‑century feat.
When does the World Series start and who will the Dodgers face?
The 2025 World Series opens on Tuesday, October 21, with the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the American League champion Houston Astros. The series is slated for a best‑of‑seven format.
What did analysts say about Ohtani's performance?
MLB veteran commentator John Anderson called it “the greatest single‑night performance in postseason history,” while former pitcher Dave Rolen noted that Ohtani’s blend of power and velocity is "a game‑changer for any team in a win‑or‑go‑home scenario."