When Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, declared that Shohei Ohtani, starting pitcher and designated hitter of the same club delivered “probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” the baseball world took notice. The announcement came moments after the Dodgers clinched the National League Championship SeriesDodger Stadium in Los Angeles on October 18, 2025. Ohtani’s six shutout innings, ten strikeouts and three homers not only sealed the win but also earned him NLCS MVP honors and a ticket to the World Series.
Background: A Dodgers team forged by adversity
The 2025 regular season was anything but smooth for the Dodgers. Starting rotation stalwarts Blake Snell (32) and Tyler Glasnow (31) each missed more than two months after elbow inflammation, while veteran ace Clayton Kershaw (37) logged just 78 innings before a forearm strain landed him on the injured list. Even the promising Japanese talent Roki Sasaki (24), who was expected to be a fifth‑starter, spent a stretch on the IL after a shoulder tweak.
Roberts, in his tenth year at the helm, described the period as a “ramp‑up process, sound, not rushed.” The club’s training staff, led by head athletic trainer Luis Navarro, emphasized gradual workloads and advanced biomechanics. The result? Younger arms like Michael Grove (28) and rookie right‑hander Noah Miller (23) got early major‑league reps, gaining the confidence that would later pay dividends in the postseason.
Ohtani’s historic Game 5 performance
From the first pitch, Ohtani set a tone that felt almost cinematic. He retired the first 12 batters, a stretch that included a double‑play grounder from Milwaukee’s top‑seeded leadoff hitter. By the end of the third inning, he had already struck out three Brewers and allowed no runs. The fourth inning brought the first swing of the night: a towering three‑run homer to left‑center that sent the crowd at Dodger Stadium into a frenzy.
“When I stepped onto the mound, I felt the energy of the fans and the weight of the moment,” Ohtani told reporters after the game. “I just wanted to keep the zone tight and let the pitches do their work.” He followed that with a second home run in the fifth, this time a solo shot that capped a three‑run burst, and a final three‑run blast in the seventh. The three homers made him the first player in NLCS history to hit a three‑home‑run game while also pitching six shutout innings.
Roberts chanted, “Probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” while shaking his head in disbelief. The sentiment echoed throughout the press box, and even former Yankees manager Joe Torre — who spoke with Roberts two weeks earlier — called it “the kind of game that writes its own legend.”
Roberts’ perspective and strategic moves
When asked why he trusted Ohtani to stay in the game despite earlier media chatter about his “scuffling at the plate,” Roberts replied, “Those comments turned into fuel. He went out and showed the focus, the intent, and after that first inning it was like a shutdown mode.” He also highlighted the importance of the bullpen, noting that he had planned to use Roki Sasaki in back‑to‑back games if the series extended.
“Sasaki’s a workhorse, and we needed every arm we could get,” Roberts said, referring to the 24‑year‑old’s recent recovery. He added that the decision to keep Ohtani on the mound for six innings — rather than pulling for a reliever after the fifth — was a calculated risk, balanced by the confidence in the young pitcher’s stamina.
Looking ahead, Roberts emphasized a “one game at a time” mentality. “We’ve got four more games to win. The job’s not done,” he warned, while also paying respect to the Brewers, calling Milwaukee “a tremendous organization” that deserved credit for forcing the series to five games.
Injury challenges and depth that paid off
The Dodgers’ depth story is a textbook case of turning setbacks into opportunities. With Snell, Glasnow and Kershaw sidelined for stretches, the club leaned on its farm system. Michael Grove, who had been a starter in Triple‑A Oklahoma City, logged 42 innings in the regular season, posting a 3.25 ERA. His poise in high‑leverage spots earned him a spot in the NLCS roster.
Even the outfield saw rotation due to injuries. Veteran Mookie Betts (34) missed 12 games after a hamstring strain, but younger outfielder Will Smith (25) stepped in and posted a .312 batting average during that stretch. Roberts praised the “next‑man‑up” culture, noting that it kept the clubhouse hungry and prevented complacency.
World Series outlook: Can the Dodgers repeat?
With the NLCS victory, the Dodgers now chase a back‑to‑back World Series title — a feat not achieved in 25 years. Their opponent, the 2025 American League champion Houston Astros, boasts a line‑up led by MVP candidate José Altuve and a pitching staff anchored by Framber Valdez.
Roberts, referencing Torre’s advice, stressed the importance of “not looking back.” “What we did last year has no bearing on this year,” he said. “There are a lot of guys in this room who weren’t here in 2024, and we want to win for the 2025 team.” He believes the combination of Ohtani’s dual threat, a rejuvenated rotation, and a bullpen that can adapt will be the edge.
Fans across Los Angeles will fill the streets, hoping the stadium roar that echoed on October 18 will ripple into another championship parade. If Ohtani can replicate even a fraction of his Game 5 magic, the Dodgers’ odds improve dramatically.
Key takeaways
- Ohtani’s six‑inning shutout with 10 strikeouts and three home runs is a first in NLCS history.
- Roberts secures his fifth pennant, joining Sparky Anderson and Walter Alston in legacy.
- Injury‑ridden staff turned into a breeding ground for younger talent.
- Strategic bullpen usage, especially reliance on Roki Sasaki, may shape the World Series.
- Advice from Joe Torre underscores a forward‑looking mindset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ohtani’s Game 5 performance affect the Dodgers’ World Series chances?
The historic outing not only gave Los Angeles a 4‑1 series win but also proved Ohtani can dominate both on the mound and at the plate. That dual‑threat flexibility gives the Dodgers a strategic advantage, allowing manager Dave Roberts to shuffle pitchers and hitters without sacrificing run production.
What role did the Dodgers’ injury‑filled season play in their postseason depth?
Missing starters like Blake Snell and Clayton Kershaw forced the club to accelerate the development of younger arms such as Michael Grove. Those players earned valuable innings, creating a deeper roster that could withstand the grind of a five‑game NLCS.
Why did Roberts trust Roki Sasaki in back‑to‑back games?
Sasaki’s recent recovery from a shoulder issue showed he could handle short‑rest outings. Roberts viewed him as a versatile bullpen arm who could bridge the gap between the starter and the late‑inning relievers, especially in a series that could stretch to seven games.
What does Joe Torre’s advice mean for the Dodgers’ mindset?
Torre urged the team to ignore past successes and focus solely on the present challenge. Roberts echoed that, insisting the 2024 championship has “no bearing” on 2025, a philosophy meant to keep players hungry and avoid complacency.
Who are the Dodgers’ biggest rivals in the upcoming World Series?
The Houston Astros, led by José Altuve and a strong rotation anchored by Framber Valdez, pose the toughest test. Their offensive firepower and disciplined pitching staff will force Los Angeles to rely on depth and Ohtani’s versatility to gain an edge.
