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By Valentina Martinez
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that Shohei Ohtani is the first pitcher to hit a postseason home run in franchise history.
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Ohtani opened Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on the mound, walking the first batter he faced then retiring the next three. He then hit a leadoff home run in the bottom of the first inning to add to his already legendary resume.
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It wouldn't be hard to imagine Ohtani locking up the NLCS MVP award with his performance in the first inning alone. The Dodgers have the chance to sweep the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 Friday night at Dodger Stadium, and had an early 1-0 lead thanks to Ohtani.
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The Dodgers then tacked on two additional runs in the first on singles from Mookie Betts, Will Smith and Tommy Edman and a run-scoring grounder from Teoscar Hernandez.
It's no secret Ohtani has struggled on days he also pitches, but he put said narrative to rest in Game 4. Ahead of his leadoff homer, Ohtani was batting .103 with no home runs. He struck out 48 percent of the time in this stretch.
Nevertheless, manager Dave Roberts was optimistic in Ohtani's ability to perform well Friday night.
"Very confident. I think this is his opportunity to make his mark on this series," Roberts said pregame. "And, so, we're going to see his best effort. So, I feel good that he's pitching for us. And there's going to be some serious focus and compete tonight."
Roberts was certainly right about Ohtani.
The Dodgers two-way star has now done something Babe Ruth has never done: hitting a home run while pitching in a playoff game.
The dominance from the defending champions has been on full display this October, and while Ohtani had previously failed to meet expectations this postseason, the Dodgers two-way star has reminded everyone why he is such a special player.
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