Welcome to the Sho.
Shohei Ohtani made MLB history in the first inning of Game 4 of the National League Championship series for the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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After pitching a scoreless first inning in which he struck out the side, Ohtani then hit a leadoff home run to kick off the bottom of the first inning.
Ohtani became the first pitcher in MLB history — regular season or postseason — to hit a leadoff home run, per MLB researcher Sarah Langs.
Ohtani has been struggling this postseason, especially since the start of the NL Division Series. After going 1-for-18 in the NLDS, Ohtani was just 2-for-11 in the NLCS entering Game 4.
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Ohtani has also struggled as a hitter on the days he pitches this season, but didn’t seem to let either of those things bother him. Instead, he pitched a dominant first inning before giving the LA offense exactly what they needed to jumpstart a three-run first inning.
Shohei Ohtani Makes Dodgers Franchise History in NLCS Game 4
In addition to making MLB history, Ohtani also made Dodgers franchise history.
Ohtani is the first pitcher in Dodgers history to hit a postseason home run. This, of course, only includes the games in which the player is actively pitching.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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2 Responses
Mr. Shohei Ohtani should stop being called “a Unicorn” and start being called either :
The Shonicorn
or
SHONICANI
Have a contest to decide which is more popular, Whichever is chosen the prize will be I will get two tickets to the Fourth Game of the 2025 or’26 World Series – which – by the way, should be called The United Series of America and the “The World Series” designation should be given to rename the “The World Baseball Classic.” THAT would be more accurate and a fine gesture of International goodwill.
I think that the Dodgers & Ohtani, is the best at any time, Ohtani is always doing the best in so many ways for his team mates and his fans and other teams, My husband is in heaven, and was a true Dodger I just wish he was here, this game 10/17/25, it was a game that any Dodger Fan will remember & smile when you remember OHTANI, Thanks for the memories, & GO DODGERS!!!!