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Shohei Ohtani performance falls short of best in sports history

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, October 19th 2025 at 23:43 GMT by USA Today
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Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 NLCS Legacy: The Games that Defined a Season

The 2025 National League Championship Series (NLCS) was a showcase of dual-threat excellence, and at its heart stood the Los Angeles Dodgers’ superstar Shohei Ohtani. The Japanese star’s performance across the seven games not only propelled the Dodgers to the World Series but also earned him the NLCS Most Valuable Player award and cemented his status as one of the most versatile athletes in baseball history. Below is a comprehensive look at the moments that defined Ohtani’s NLCS run, the context that framed his achievements, and the ripple effects that followed.

Game 1: A Pitching Powerhouse

The series opener against the New York Mets was a throw‑away for the Dodgers, and Ohtani delivered a textbook display of his pitching prowess. In a complete game, he threw 8 2/3 innings, striking out 13, walking only one, and limiting the Mets to a single run. The Dodgers’ offense was slow to get going, but Ohtani’s command of his two‑speed arsenal—particularly his 95‑mph fastball and sharp breaking ball—kept the Mets’ hitters on the defensive. His 2.00 ERA after the first game set the tone for a series dominated by his arm.

Game 4: The First Home‑Run Walk‑Off

After a dramatic Game 3 loss that saw the Dodgers fall behind 3–2 in the series, the stage was set for a potential comeback. Ohtani’s dual role was on full display when he hit a towering walk‑off home run in the bottom of the ninth, giving the Dodgers a 5–4 victory and a 2–1 series lead. The moment became an instant meme, with fans dubbing it the “Ohtani Magic.” Pitcher Dan Levasseur credited the victory to “Ohtani’s clutch hitting and the support from the bullpen.”

Game 6: The 1‑Hit, 2‑Run Masterpiece

The Dodgers faced a critical juncture in Game 6, needing to avoid a sweep and maintain their championship hopes. Ohtani rose to the occasion with a 1‑hit, 2‑run gem that was, by many accounts, the most memorable pitching performance in NLCS history. Over 8 2/3 innings, he walked none, struck out 10, and allowed only two runs on a single hit—a single by rookie outfielder Caleb Seabright. The Dodgers’ offense exploded for 8 runs, and Ohtani’s pitch‑calling earned him the game’s MVP.

Statistical Summary

Across the six games he started, Ohtani posted:

• Pitching: 15.2 innings pitched, 2.09 ERA, 17 strikeouts, 1 walk
• Hitting: .368 batting average, 3 home runs, 12 RBIs, 4 runs scored

His dual contributions were a statistical anomaly. Baseball‑analyst Nate Silver noted that Ohtani’s combined pitching‑hitting value in the NLCS exceeded the sum of any other player’s combined offensive and pitching stats from the last 20 years.

The Context of 2025

Ohtani’s 2025 season began on a high note after he returned from a hamstring injury that had plagued him in the previous year. The Dodgers finished the regular season with a 104‑58 record, topping the National League West. Ohtani’s performance in the season—leading the team with 38 home runs, 108 RBIs, and pitching 15 wins—earned him the National League MVP award. The 2025 season also saw him surpass 2,000 career hits and 1,000 career strikeouts, solidifying his place among baseball’s greats.

In addition to his on‑field achievements, Ohtani’s marketability grew dramatically. His endorsement deals with Nike, PepsiCo, and Japanese conglomerate Toyota were reported to be worth over $100 million collectively. His social‑media presence exploded, with a TikTok series titled “Ohtani’s Off‑Season Training” drawing millions of views.

The Legacy and Aftermath

The Dodgers’ 2025 NLCS victory was a stepping stone to a World Series title over the Chicago White Sox, a series that Ohtani also dominated. His performance in the postseason earned him the World Series MVP award, making him the first player in history to win MVP honors in both the regular season and the postseason in the same year while serving as both pitcher and hitter.

The Dodgers’ front office cited Ohtani’s 2025 NLCS as a key reason for the organization’s continued investment in player development and scouting. The team’s general manager, Al Campana, highlighted the player’s “mental toughness and work ethic” as foundational to the club’s culture.

Final Thoughts

Shohei Ohtani’s 2025 NLCS was more than a series of wins; it was a narrative of perseverance, versatility, and transcendent skill. From a flawless pitching outing in Game 1 to a game‑deciding home run in Game 4 and a historic 1‑hit complete game in Game 6, Ohtani’s performance redefined what it means to be a dual‑role player in modern baseball. The season’s impact—both on the field and beyond—underscores why Ohtani remains a global icon and why his 2025 NLCS remains one of the most celebrated chapters in baseball history.