Shohei Ohtani delivered a three-run homer that briefly revived the Los Angeles Dodgers’ hopes, but it was not enough to prevent their season from ending in a 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series. The defeat completed a four-game sweep.
After the game, Ohtani acknowledged his disappointment and credited Milwaukee for exposing weaknesses in his performance. The four-time MVP also turned his attention toward next season, when he hopes to return to pitching after an injury-disrupted campaign that limited his contributions on the mound.
Ohtani’s three-run homer could not save the Dodgers
Ohtani gave Los Angeles an early spark with a three-run homer in the second inning, helping the Dodgers build a 4-0 lead. The blast ended a career-high streak of 115 plate appearances without a home run, dating back to Aug. 18.
The moment offered a glimpse of the power that has made Ohtani one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters. However, Milwaukee gradually erased the deficit, leaving Los Angeles unable to protect its advantage or extend the series.
Ohtani finished the game 1-for-4 with 3 RBIs and 3 strikeouts. His home run was a significant individual moment, but the final result left the Dodgers facing an early offseason after their hopes of another championship disappeared.
Ohtani gives credit to Milwaukee’s performance
Following the elimination, Ohtani acknowledged that the Brewers had outplayed Los Angeles during the series. Speaking through interpreter Will Ireton, he said Milwaukee was strong overall and had exposed some weaknesses in his game.
His comments reflected an understanding that postseason success requires more than individual talent. Milwaukee consistently challenged the Dodgers, and its ability to execute in crucial situations helped the team secure the National League pennant.
For Ohtani, the loss created an opportunity to assess what went wrong without dismissing the opponent’s achievements. His willingness to recognize Milwaukee’s strengths also highlighted the competitive challenge the Dodgers faced against a team that capitalized on their mistakes.
Injuries complicated Ohtani’s postseason performance
Ohtani entered the playoffs dealing with lingering right biceps discomfort and left knee soreness. Those issues affected his availability as a pitcher and complicated his preparation at the plate during a stretch when Los Angeles needed its leading star to produce consistently.
He had not pitched since July 3 and was ruled out of pitching for the remainder of the 2026 season. Although he continued playing as a designated hitter, his offensive timing and consistency became concerns as the postseason progressed.
Manager Dave Roberts praised Ohtani for continuing to participate despite not being fully healthy. Roberts emphasized that the star had earned his trust and showed a willingness to compete through physical difficulties rather than step away from the lineup.
A difficult postseason followed a frustrating slump
Ohtani’s struggles extended beyond the final game against Milwaukee. Before his three-run homer in Game 4, he had gone through the postseason without producing the extra-base hits or run production typically expected from one of baseball’s premier offensive players.
The timing of the slump made the situation more difficult for Los Angeles. Opposing pitchers challenged him with quality stuff, while lingering physical issues may have complicated his ability to make the adjustments necessary to regain his usual rhythm.
Still, the postseason numbers do not erase Ohtani’s established track record. His previous performances demonstrated his ability to change games with one swing, and the late home run against Milwaukee showed that his power remained present even during a difficult stretch.
Ohtani wants to return to pitching in 2027
Looking ahead, Ohtani made clear that returning to the mound remains a priority. He expressed dissatisfaction with how his pitching season unfolded and said he needed to reassess his treatment and training program during the offseason.
The Dodgers will have to evaluate his health carefully before determining how to manage his two-way responsibilities. Ohtani’s ability to contribute as both a hitter and pitcher is a major part of his value, but his recovery will influence the timetable for his return.
Ohtani said he intends to pitch again next season and is looking forward to having a better year. However, whether he needs another procedure remains undecided, with further discussions and medical evaluations expected during the offseason.
The Dodgers must regroup after their championship run ended
Los Angeles entered the season hoping to extend its recent championship success, but Milwaukee’s sweep brought those ambitions to an abrupt end. The Dodgers struggled to generate consistent offense and also encountered difficulties from their starting rotation during the series.
The team’s elimination was not solely the result of Ohtani’s performance. Other hitters also struggled to deliver in key situations, while the Brewers repeatedly found ways to respond when Los Angeles threatened to build momentum.
The offseason now gives the Dodgers time to assess their roster, review injury concerns and determine how to improve their postseason execution. Ohtani’s recovery will be central to those discussions, particularly if the team hopes to restore his full two-way impact.
Ohtani hopes the disappointment fuels a stronger season
Despite the painful ending, Ohtani expressed gratitude for the opportunity to spend another season with his teammates. He acknowledged that the team had fallen short and said he wanted to use the experience as motivation for a better campaign.
That outlook will matter as he begins the process of recovering and preparing for 2027. Ohtani has already demonstrated that he can return from significant setbacks, but the upcoming offseason will require careful decisions about his health and workload.
The Dodgers will also need to learn from the series rather than rely on their previous championship achievements. For Ohtani, the priority is clear: recover, improve and return ready to contribute more fully on both sides of the game.
Fun fact: Shohei Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 3 home runs and record 10 pitching strikeouts in a postseason game during the 2025 NLCS.
TL;DR
- Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run homer but could not prevent the Dodgers from losing 6-4 to the Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS.
- Milwaukee completed a four-game sweep, ending Los Angeles’ season.
- Ohtani acknowledged his disappointing performance and credited the Brewers for exposing weaknesses in his game.
- Lingering right biceps and left knee issues limited Ohtani’s pitching availability during the season.
- Ohtani intends to return to pitching in 2027 and plans to reassess his treatment and training during the offseason.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
