For years now, when people ask me about the most impressive game I've seen in the playoffs, I always talk about Madison Bumgarner's best game in the 2014 World Series.
You know what I mean.
But now, because of what Shohei Ohtani did tonight to lead his team to the World Series, my answer may very well change in the future.
It started with a three-out game in the first inning as a pitcher, and then he hit a home run as his team's leadoff hitter.
Homering after striking out three batters? Only Shohei. pic.twitter.com/6ehcpW6v9L
– Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 18, 2025
This was the first time in history (season or playoffs) that a pitcher hit a home run as the first batter of the game. It was also the first time a Dodgers pitcher hit a home run in the playoffs.
And he did not decide to stop there.
In the game that sent the Dodgers to the World Series for the second year in a row, Ohtani pitched six innings. He came back in the seventh with no outs.
He collected at least 10 strikeouts without giving up a run.
AND HE KILLED TWO HOMERS
Shohei Ohtani delivers a masterful performance in the Dodgers' final game
pic.twitter.com/VBMmJzw9vv
– Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) October 18, 2025
Will we see him hit home runs? Because yes, he scored three… only 10 players had done it before him.
His second home run was impressive. The shot was so far away that as soon as it touched the ball, everyone knew it was a bomb. The Brewers pitcher knew it too.
SHOHEI OTANI OUT OF THE STADIUM, THE GREATEST THING TO EVER DO IT RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES
– Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) October 18, 2025
His third lap was also far away. But what left a lasting impression on the imagination was that the Japanese finished his serve and we knew he had a quality start after the draw.
It was the final nail in the coffin for the brewers, who brewed little tonight.
HE DOES IT AGAIN
SHOHEI OTANI HAS A GAME FOR THREE HOMERS! pic.twitter.com/EWGgYuuV6o
– MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2025
This game is reminiscent of his crazy performance in Miami in 2024, when he started the 50/50 club, making the playoffs for the first time in his Major League career. Once again, he decided to stand up at an important moment.
But to do it in the playoffs when he's developed a reputation as a guy who doesn't play in the playoffs is tough.
The Dodgers beat the Brewers in four games, 5–1. They will have a week off before the World Series, which starts next Friday.
By the way, the Brewers have scored four runs in four games. It was a one-sided series, although the Brewers had 97 wins in the regular season.
- Three league wins for the Mariners: this has never happened before.
The Mariners won their first home game in the ALCS since October 15, 2000. pic.twitter.com/bCaROwadpb
– Talkin Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2025
Cal Raleigh has 64 homers in the regular season and postseason combined, breaking Aaron Judge's 2022 American League record.
(h/t @ckamka) pic.twitter.com/YFB57J8407
– Talkin Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 18, 2025
- Tomorrow is baseball's day off. The Blue Jays will try to avoid elimination on Sunday at 8 p.m.
This content was created using artificial intelligence.
