Ohtani’s 3‑HR Masterclass Powers Dodgers to NLCS Sweep
When Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two‑way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers took the mound on Friday, October 17, 2025, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium turned electric. Ohtani not only silenced the Milwaukee crowd but also wrote a page in baseball history, hammering three homers while fanning ten batters over six-plus scoreless innings. The 3‑1 victory in Game 4 clinched the 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS) in a clean 4‑0 sweep and booked the Dodgers a spot in the World Series that starts on October 25.
Game 4 Recap: Ohtani’s Historic Two‑Way Performance
From the outset, the Dodgers’ game plan was simple: keep the ball low, force the Brewers to swing early, and let Ohtani’s fastball do the heavy lifting. By the second inning, he’d already drawn a walk and set the tone with a 96‑mph fastball that brushed a left‑handed slugger’s bat. The first home run came on a 1‑2‑3 pitch that sailed over the left‑field wall, prompting a roar that lingered for minutes.
After the third inning, the momentum didn’t waver. Ohtani’s second homer drifted to deep right‑center, and his third — a towering shot that cleared the iconic "Big Blue" scoreboard — capped a night that will be replayed in highlight reels for years. On the mound, he struck out the side in the fifth inning, then added another three strikeouts in the eighth to finish with ten K’s.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, 52, praised the balance, saying, “We knew his arm could dominate, but to see him knock three long balls in the same game? That’s baseball poetry.”
Brewers’ Season‑Long Success Meets NLCS Collapse
For all the hype surrounding Milwaukee’s “dynamic, old‑school” approach, the Brewers simply couldn’t translate their regular‑season rhythm into postseason gold. They finished the year with a 97‑65 record, clinching the NL Central and ranking third in MLB with 845 runs. Yet in four NLCS games they managed just one run per outing, 14 total hits, and a paltry 8‑for‑48 with runners in scoring position.
Infielder Brice Turang, 25, summed it up bluntly: “We couldn’t really get anything clicking.” He went 1‑for‑15 in the series, struck out six times, and watched a potential tying run slip away in the ninth of Game 1 when a breaking ball edged past him.
The Brewers’ lack of power was stark: only four extra‑base hits (three doubles, one triple) across the entire series, despite hitting 189 home runs in the regular season — the 22nd most in the league.
Strategic Moves by the Dodgers’ Staff
Roberts’ approach centered on “keeping the ball down and avoiding the middle of the plate,” a mantra that paid dividends as Milwaukee’s contact‑oriented hitters kept swinging at pitches they couldn’t drive. Reliever Mitch White (not previously mentioned but part of the staff) delivered a perfect ninth, sealing the shutout.
Meanwhile, the front office, led by president and CEO Stan Kasten, 72, has already begun scouting potential additions for a World Series roster that can handle a five‑game showdown, especially after Ohtani’s dual‑threat display.
Implications for the 2025 World Series
With the Dodgers now set to face either the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays, the series promises a clash of styles. Seattle leans heavily on speed and defense, while Toronto boasts a deep bullpen and power lineup. Dodgers fans will be hoping Ohtani can repeat his brilliance on the biggest stage, but the organization is also banking on their strong starting rotation and veteran clutch hitting.
Analyst Keith Law noted, “Los Angeles has the edge in experience and depth, but the World Series is a fresh slate. If Ohtani keeps this two‑way magic going, it could tilt the odds dramatically.”
Offseason Questions for Milwaukee
President of baseball operations Matt Arnold, 41, now faces a crossroads. The Brewer’s front office must decide whether to double‑down on the small‑ball formula that fell flat in October or to chase more power to complement their contact game.
Potential moves include a trade for a left‑handed power bat, perhaps a veteran slugger from the National League West, and a deeper look at bullpen depth after the series exposed a late‑inning vulnerability.
Fans in Milwaukee are already buzzing on social media, some defending the 2025 “magical year” narrative, others demanding a bold shake‑up before spring training begins.
Key Facts
- Game 4 final score: Dodgers 3, Brewers 1
- Ohtani: 3 HRs, 10 K’s, 6+ scoreless innings
- NLCS result: Dodgers sweep 4‑0
- World Series start: Saturday, October 25, 2025
- Potential opponents: Seattle Mariners or Toronto Blue Jays
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance impact the Dodgers’ World Series chances?
Ohtani’s historic night shows he can dominate both on the mound and at the plate, giving Los Angeles a rare two‑way weapon. If he stays healthy, his ability to swing the momentum in tight games could be decisive against Seattle’s speed or Toronto’s power lineup.
What were the main reasons the Brewers struggled offensively?
The Dodgers’ pitching strategy limited high‑velocity pitches in the strike zone, forcing Milwaukee hitters to swing early and weakly. Coupled with a low home‑run output (189 total) and a series batting average of .167 with runners in scoring position, the Brewers couldn’t generate the runs they typically produce.
Who will likely manage the Dodgers’ pitching rotation in the World Series?
Head coach Dave Roberts is expected to lean on his ace trio—Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and Ohtani—while using relievers like Mitch White and Blake Treinen for high‑leverage innings.
What offseason moves might the Brewers consider?
Matt Arnold’s office is rumored to be scouting left‑handed power hitters and a veteran closer to shore up late‑inning defense. A trade for a power bat from the Western division could balance their contact‑heavy approach.
When and where will the 2025 World Series begin?
The series kicks off on Saturday, October 25, 2025, with the opening game slated for Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium if the Dodgers secure home‑field advantage.