In Major League Baseball, the fourth game of the National League championship series was held in Los Angeles, California, USA on the 15th (16th Japan time), and the Dodgers lost to the Brewers 4-6.
This was the Dodgers' fourth consecutive loss, and they missed out on advancing to the World Series, which they had won for the second straight time. The Brewers advanced to the World Series for the first time in 44 years.
Shohei Ohtani said after the game, ``I feel really frustrated. I think that's all there is to it. The Brewers were strong. They were a great team.'' When asked about continuing to play both pitching and hitting from next season onwards, he answered, ``I plan on doing everything.''
Otani was named to the starting lineup as the ``No. 1 designated hitter.''
His first at-bat of the inning was a strikeout.
In the second inning, the Dodgers had a one-run lead, but with two outs and runners on first and second base, he came to bat and hit a three-run home run over the right field.
It's been about two months since Ohtani's home run since August 18th in the regular season. The moment he hit the ball, he was sure it was a home run, turned to the third base bench where his teammates were, spread his arms, and burst out in joy.
In the fourth inning, starting pitcher Glasnow hit a two-run double for the Dodgers, giving them a two-run lead. He received a well-timed hit in the fifth inning, and when the lead was close to one point, he decided to pitch again. However, Bashir, the third batter, gave up a walk and was caught up to tie the score.
Otani's third at-bat came at the top of the fifth inning, 4-4, and he struck out.
The Dodgers hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, allowing them to take the lead for the first time in the game.
Otani took his fourth turn at bat in the 7th inning with one hit and a tie, with one out and third base, but he struck out.
The Dodgers hit a solo home run in the ninth inning, extending their lead to two runs.
In Game 4, with no hope left after three consecutive losses, Ohtani returned to his familiar batting order for the first time this postseason.
The previous day I was number 6. Manager Roberts said in a press conference just before the start of Game 4, ``He stayed at the ballpark practicing until 9 o'clock two nights ago, and there was some content in his at-bat yesterday (he got 3 bases, including 1 hit in 4 at-bats). Considering all of that, I felt he should be the No. 1 pick.''
Game 3 of the American League was held in Cleveland, Ohio, where the Guardians defeated the Rays 3-2, improving their record to 2-1.
As I promised, a decisive shot
It feels like I've been away for about two months. Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani exploded with emotion.
The team scored one point first, and still had two outs in the second inning, runners on first and second base. Otani was ``convinced'' when he scooped up the cut ball from a low inside angle. The ball hit a parabola and disappeared into the right center stand.
Number 17 threw his bat high and thrust his fist toward his teammate's bench on the third base side.
A critical three-run shot that increases the team's lead to four points. It was an extra-large arch measuring approximately 130 meters.
“I want to do my best for those who believe in me.”
The results were as promised.
He hasn't hit a home run since his 30th home run of the season, which he hit on August 18th. Entering the postseason (PS), he suffered from an extremely poor performance with a batting average of 10%. With this PS, he recorded his first extra-base hit in his 8th game, and it became the arch that everyone around him had been waiting for.
The team has 0 wins and 3 losses in this league championship series. If they lose this game, they stand on the precipice of closing off their path to a third consecutive World Series victory.
Otani, who was appointed as No. 6 the day before, sat as No. 1 on this day. Manager Roberts had the following to say about the reason for returning Ohtani to his "regular position" for the first time in this PS:
"He stayed at the stadium practicing until 9 o'clock two nights ago, and with his at-bats from yesterday. Considering all of that, we definitely felt he should be No. 1. We think having him at bat for five today gives us the best chance to win and score."
Toward a miraculous reversal. Strong hitter Otani woke up at the last minute.
