World Series: Shohei Ohtani heroics help Los Angeles Dodgers beat Milwaukee Brewers
Shohei Ohtani delivered one of the greatest performances in baseball history as the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series.
Japan’s Ohtani smashed three huge home runs and struck out 10 Brewers batters in a complete 5-1 victory as the Dodgers swept the series 4-0.
The 31-year-old’s trio of home runs and 10 strikeouts in the same game stands as a Major League Baseball postseason record, showcasing a rare talent for excelling with both bat and ball.
Ohtani also became the first pitcher since Jim Tobin of the Boston Braves in 1942 to hit three home runs in the same game.
“It was really fun on both sides of the ball today,” said Ohtani, who was awarded Most Valuable Player honors for his exploits.
“I win this trophy and let’s go on to win four more. We won it as a team and it’s truly a team effort. I hope everyone in Los Angeles, Japan and all over the world can enjoy some really good sake. [Japanese rice wine]”.
Ohtani entered the game at Dodger Stadium coming off an eight-game home run drought, but led from the front by striking out three batters in the first period.
He then starred with the bat in a performance that included a crushing 446-foot home run and a monster 469-foot hit that bounced out of the stadium.
It was another historic performance from Ohtani, who last year became the first player to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in the same season.
“It was probably the best postseason performance ever,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said.
“There’s a reason he’s the greatest player on the planet. It’s kind of everything you don’t expect, expect him to do.
“It’s just a performance I’ve never seen. No one has ever seen anything like this. I’m still in awe of Shohei.”
The Dodgers’ comfortable victory sets up a World Series showdown against the Toronto Blue Jays or Seattle Mariners, the latter leading 3-2 in the best-of-seven series.
