When Shohei Ohtani, the two‑way phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers, erupted for three home runs and ten strikeouts on October 17, 2025, the 2025 National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium officially sweeped the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4, clinching a 4‑0 series win and a ticket to the World Series.
Series Overview
The Dodgers entered the NLCS with an 8‑1 postseason résumé, having dispatched the San Diego Padres in the Division Series. The Brewers, fresh off a franchise‑record 97‑65 regular‑season, were the NL Central champions for the third time in seven years. Over four games, Los Angeles’ pitchers combined for a staggering 28 2/3 innings, surrendered only two earned runs, and fanned 35 batters.
Game 1 set the tone with a 5‑2 Dodgers victory, highlighted by a strong outing from starter Gavin Stone. The Brewers clawed back in Game 2, narrowing the margin to 2‑1, but a late rally by Mookie Betts forced a decisive Game 3.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
Game 3 (Oct 16): The Dodgers edged Milwaukee 3‑1. Ohtani, slotted in as designated hitter, ripped a triple off starter Jacob Mizerowski in his first at‑bat. Freddie Freeman scored on a misplay by reliever Yoshihisa Hirano. Closer Roki Sasaki sealed the win with three clean outs.
Game 4 (Oct 17): Ohtani took the mound and the plate. After a first‑inning solo shot, he struck out nine more batters over six innings, allowing just two hits. Betts and catcher Will Smith added singles that turned into runs, extending the lead to 4‑0 early. Milwaukee’s lone bright spot came when center‑fielder Jackson Chourio doubled in the fourth, but Ohtani promptly erased the threat with a groundout and two more strikeouts.
Ohtani’s Historic Performance
The three‑home‑run, ten‑strikeout double‑header is virtually unheard of in postseason history. Ohtani’s power surged to 55 homers during the regular season, while his 10‑K effort in Game 4 pushed his postseason strikeout total to 23, eclipsing the previous record for a two‑way player in a single series. Baseball analysts immediately noted the rarity: "He just rewrote the NLCS playbook," said Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager.
Statistically, Ohtani’s slugging percentage in the series climbed to .750, dwarfing the Brewers’ collective .295. His WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) settled at an immaculate 0.67 across his two appearances.
Reactions from Players and Managers
Pat Murphy, who’s guided Milwaukee since 2022, praised his squad despite the loss: "We fought hard, but the Dodgers brought a level of execution you can’t match on a short series." He also highlighted Christian Yelich’s 29‑home‑run season as a bright spot, noting the veteran’s consistent presence in the lineup.
Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers’ first‑base stalwart, added, "Shohei’s night was something else. When you see a teammate dominate both sides of the ball like that, it lifts the whole club." Betts chimed in on social media, posting a video of Ohtani’s swing with the caption, "That’s why we’re here."
Implications for the World Series
Los Angeles now faces the winner of the American League Championship Series—likely the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays. Both clubs feature potent offenses, but the Dodgers’ dominant pitching depth, evidenced by a sub‑2.00 ERA in the NLCS, could prove decisive.
With an 8‑1 postseason record, the Dodgers have the best win–loss ratio among NL teams since the 1990s. Their home‑field advantage at Dodger Stadium, where they posted a 52‑29 record in the regular season, also tilts the odds in their favor should the series shift to Los Angeles.
Historical Context
The 2025 Brewers set a franchise‑record 97 wins, surpassing the 2018 squad that won 96. Yet, despite that achievement, they fell short of their first World Series appearance since 1982—a drought now spanning 43 years. The Dodgers, on the other hand, notch their 12th NLCS title in franchise history, matching the New York Yankees for most league‑final victories in the modern era.
In terms of NLCS sweeps, Los Angeles joins a short list that includes the 2015 Cubs and the 2020 Braves. Ohtani’s three‑home‑run game also joins the exclusive club of multi‑home‑run performances that also featured a double‑digit strikeout total.
Key Facts
- Series result: Dodgers 4, Brewers 0 (NLCS)
- Game 4 hero: Shohei Ohtani – 3 HR, 10 K
- Dodgers postseason record: 8‑1
- Brewers regular‑season record: 97‑65 (franchise best)
- World Series matchup: Dodgers vs. likely Mariners or Blue Jays
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s performance affect the Dodgers’ chances in the World Series?
Ohtani’s dual‑threat display showcases his ability to dominate both offensively and on the mound, giving Los Angeles a rare ace who can also provide run support. Against a team like the Mariners or Blue Jays, that flexibility could shorten games and preserve the bullpen, raising the Dodgers’ odds of a championship.
What were the Brewers’ biggest weaknesses in the NLCS?
Milwaukee struggled to adjust to the Dodgers’ elite pitching, managing a .190 team batting average across the series. Their inability to generate power against fastballs—recording just two extra‑base hits—proved costly, especially when faced with Ohtani’s pinpoint fastball and movement.
Who were the standout players for the Dodgers besides Ohtani?
Mookie Betts contributed three runs and two stolen bases, while Freddie Freeman’s .295 average and timely RBI in Game 3 helped keep the lead. Closer Roki Sasaki’s three‑out save in Game 3 and steady work from the bullpen were also critical.
What does this sweep mean for the Brewers’ future plans?
Pat Murphy will likely revisit his roster construction, focusing on adding depth to the middle of the lineup and bolstering the starting rotation. The franchise’s record‑setting season proves they have a solid core, but postseason adjustments will be crucial to break the 43‑year World Series drought.
When is the first World Series game scheduled?
Game 1 of the 2025 World Series is set for October 25 at Dodger Stadium, with the series slated to run through the first week of November, depending on the length of the matchup.
