When Shohei Ohtani, the dual‑role star of the Los Angeles Dodgers, fired three homers and tossed six shutout innings, the atmosphere at Dodger Stadium turned electric. The performance sealed a 5‑1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the 2025 National League Championship Series on Friday, October 17, 2025, completing a rare four‑game sweep and delivering the Dodgers the National League pennant.
The night Ohtani rewrote postseason lore
From the first pitch, Ohtani made it clear he was in a league of his own. After Brice Turang drew a leadoff walk, Ohtani struck out the next three Brewers hitters in a row and then launched a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the first. That was just the opening act.
He followed with a second long ball in the fourth, a mammoth 469‑foot shot that arced over the left‑field stands toward the San Gabriel Mountains. The third came in the seventh, a two‑run blast that padded the Dodgers’ lead to five. All the while, he logged six flawless innings, fanning exactly ten batters and allowing no runs. MLB.com later called the outing “arguably the most dominant individual performance in Major League postseason history.”
How the Dodgers finished the NL pennant
Beyond Ohtani’s heroics, the Dodgers’ early offense set the tone. Mookie Betts and Will Smith each singled in the first inning, bringing Ohtani home and pushing the score to 2‑0.
The bullpen contributed another 22 2/3 innings of work across the series, combining for just two earned runs and 35 strikeouts. The Dodgers out‑hit Milwaukee 35‑14, and their advantage with runners in scoring position (35 vs. 16) proved decisive.
- Series run differential: Dodgers +12
- Total strikeouts by Dodgers pitchers: 35
- Ohtani’s slash line: 3‑HR, 2‑RBI, 6 IP, 10 K
- Final out recorded at 9:47 PM PT
Brewers’ offensive drought and lingering frustrations
The Brewers, who celebrated a franchise‑record 97 regular‑season wins, simply could not find a rhythm. They managed only one run per game, a total of four runs in the entire NLCS, and just 14 hits. Their lone run in Game 4 came in the ninth when Caleb Durbin reached on a fielder’s choice and was later caught for the final out.
Shortstop Turang, who entered the postseason on a hot streak, finished 1‑for‑15 and struck out six times. "We couldn't really get anything clicking," Turang said in the post‑game interview, his voice tinged with disappointment.
Milwaukee’s dynamic, contact‑oriented offense—so potent in the regular season—was smothered by a Dodgers staff that delivered eight quality starts in the series. The Brewers now face the longest World Series drought since 1982.
What’s next: The World Series picture
With the NL crown secured, the Dodgers turn their sights to the American League champion. The ALCS will decide whether the Toronto Blue Jays or the Seattle Mariners advance to the Fall Classic, setting up a cross‑coast showdown that promises fireworks.
Los Angeles enters the World Series as the defending champion, having captured the 2024 title. The team’s second‑half surge in 2025, highlighted by Ohtani’s dual‑threat brilliance, makes them a daunting opponent for any club.
Historical context: Dodgers‑Brewers rivalry in the modern era
This sweep marks the third time the Brewers have been eliminated by the Dodgers in seven playoff appearances over the past eight years. Prior to 2025, the Brewers had never been swept in a series longer than a best‑of‑three, underscoring the magnitude of Los Angeles’ dominance.
Both franchises have evolved dramatically. The Dodgers, with a deep payroll and a roster built around both home‑run power and elite pitching, have turned into an "impenetrable" force according to MLB.com. Meanwhile, Milwaukee’s emphasis on speed and contact has produced a record‑setting regular season but fell short against a veteran postseason roster.
Fans on both coasts will remember this night for Ohtani’s triple‑threat display—a reminder that baseball still produces moments that feel almost mythic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance compare to past postseason legends?
Ohtani’s three‑home‑run, ten‑strikeout shutout ties the best single‑game offensive output since the 2001 World Series MVP, and his combined pitching‑hitting showcase surpasses most two‑way feats recorded since Babe Ruth’s era.
What does this sweep mean for the Brewers’ future outlook?
While the 97‑win season proves Milwaukee can dominate the NL Central, the postseason loss highlights a need for deeper bullpen strength and more power hitting to compete against elite pitching.
When and where will the World Series begin?
The 2025 World Series is scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with the opening game set for the home park of the AL champion, either Toronto’s Rogers Centre or Seattle’s T‑Mobile Park, depending on who wins the ALCS.
Which player from the Dodgers is most likely to win the Series MVP?
All eyes are on Ohtani. His ability to change the game from the mound and the plate gives him a historic edge, though veteran outfielder Mookie Betts remains a strong contender if the series goes the distance.
How did the Dodgers’ pitching staff perform across the NLCS?
Collectively, the four starters delivered 28 2/3 innings, surrendered only two earned runs, and struck out 35 batters, establishing a series ERA of 0.63—one of the stingiest in NLCS history.