In a breathtaking display of talent, Shohei Ohtani made history on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, homering twice and tying a 119-year-old major league record with four extra-base hits during Game 3 of the World Series. This remarkable performance solidified Ohtani's status as one of the premier players in baseball, captivating fans with his extraordinary skills in a game that stretched to 18 thrilling innings.
Ohtani's night began with a ground-rule double to right field, quickly setting the tone for what would become an unforgettable performance. He followed this with a solo home run in the third inning, taking Toronto starter Max Scherzer deep. Ohtani's contributions didn't stop there; he added an RBI double in the fifth inning and another tying solo homer in the seventh off Seranthony Dominguez. This marked his sixth home run in the last four games, tying Corey Seager's record of eight homers in a single postseason.
Throughout the game, Ohtani reached base an incredible nine times, making him the first major leaguer in 83 years to achieve this feat in any game, including the postseason. He is now tied for the record of most extra-base hits in a World Series game, a record previously set by Frank Isbell in 1906. Notably, Ohtani became the first player to be intentionally walked four times in a postseason game, a strategy employed by Blue Jays manager John Schneider to limit Ohtani's impact.
Despite Ohtani's stellar performance, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced a tough battle, ultimately winning the game 6-5 thanks to a walk-off home run by Freddie Freeman in the 18th inning. After the game, Ohtani humbly stated, "What matters the most is we won," emphasizing that the team victory took precedence over individual accolades.
As anticipation builds for Game 4, Ohtani is set to make his first World Series start on the mound, a moment he eagerly awaits. "I want to go to sleep as soon as possible so I can get ready," he remarked with a smile. His remarkable versatility as both a hitter and pitcher continues to be a focal point of the Dodgers' strategy, and fans are excited to see what he will bring to the field next.
Ohtani's performance in the postseason has been nothing short of spectacular. He has now recorded six hits and five RBIs in the first three games of the World Series against Toronto. This accomplishment is particularly impressive given the hostile environment he faced in Game 1, where Toronto fans chanted, "We don’t need you!" Ohtani's resilience and focus have allowed him to thrive despite the pressure.
Shohei Ohtani's historic night at Dodger Stadium not only showcased his incredible talent but also solidified his legacy as one of baseball's all-time greats. With the Dodgers moving forward in the World Series, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate Ohtani's next moves both at the plate and on the mound. As the postseason continues, Ohtani's quest for greatness remains in full swing, and baseball enthusiasts are thrilled to witness his journey.
