Shohei Ohtani Game 4 NLCS: Best game ever?

On Oct. 17, 2025, Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivered a performance for the ages. A performance so unprecedented that it is already being regarded as the greatest single-game performance in the history of major league baseball.

In game 4 of the NLCS, Ohtani hit three home runs, struck out ten batters and only allowed two hits in six scoreless innings on the mound. He reached base on all four of his plate appearances, going 3-for-3 with a walk. The baseball world has never seen a player so dominant in a single game.

After walking the first batter of the game, Ohtani proceeded to strike out the next three hitters. He was in complete control from that point on.

Ohtani hit his first home run of the game as the lead-off hitter in the bottom of the first inning. He became the first starting pitcher to hit a leadoff home run in an MLB game.

Later in the fourth inning, he crushed another home run, becoming the first pitcher to have multiple home runs in a postseason game. After hitting his third homer of the game, he became the third pitcher to hit three home runs in a game and the first in 83 years.

When on the mound, Ohtani continued to break records. He became the first player to strike out a batter and hit a home run in the first inning of a postseason game.

It wasn’t just dominance; it was a rewriting of the history books.

Whether or not this will be considered the greatest performance ever will be debated for years to come, but what other players are comparable to Ohtani’s game 4?

Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in the NBA, but there is no video evidence of the game.

Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to a come-from-behind victory after being down 28-3 in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons. However, running back James White had three touchdowns of his own in the same game that helped the Patriots win as well.

Ohtani’s feat required two sets of elite skills, pitching and hitting, where he dominated in both facets. He redefined what’s possible in his respective sport, as well as creating a new category of greatness. One that is highlighted by being multifaceted and delivering accomplishments that have never been seen before.

Game 4 of the NLCS elevated the standard of greatness in major league baseball. Ohtani has set that standard.

Owen Buchholz is a first-year majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, please email obb5166@psu.edu.