After a postseason slump, Shohei Ohtani scrapped his routine, taking on-field batting practice before Game 3. Two nights later he delivered a once-in-a-lifetime Game 4: three home runs and six-plus scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts, powering the Dodgers’ 5-1 win to finish an NLCS sweep of the Brewers and secure the franchise’s 26th pennant. He even opened with the first leadoff homer ever by a pitcher, then added a 469-foot blast, as 52,883 roared. Ohtani was named NLCS MVP.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.