By Jamie Barton, Issy Ronald
15 hours ago
Shohei Ohtani took the mound for his playoff debut on Saturday night, marking a historic moment in baseball.
In a sport where batters have their own rituals to snap out of a slump—some splash water on their faces, others say a quick prayer—Ohtani’s solution was simpler and, perhaps, more fitting: why not go ahead and strike out nine batters?
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was in awe of Ohtani’s performance, especially considering he was doing it all as a two-way player. “It’s really never been done, certainly at this level,” said Roberts, referring to Ohtani’s remarkable ability to excel both as a pitcher and hitter. “He’s essentially two people in one game.”
Despite struggling offensively, Ohtani separated the two facets of his game with ease. “He epitomizes compartmentalizing,” Roberts added. “To look at the at-bats he took tonight and how he struggled offensively, to separate that and just be a pitcher … and keep us in the ballgame. I don’t know any other human that can manage those emotions.”
And the numbers were impressive. Ohtani pitched six innings, allowing three runs in the second but then silencing the Phillies’ bats—retiring 15 of the last 17 batters he faced. Even stars like Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Bryce Harper couldn’t crack his stuff. The Dodgers eventually won 5-3, with Ohtani earning the victory.
Striking Out Nine: A Historic Playoff Debut
Ohtani’s nine strikeouts on Saturday were the third most ever by a Dodgers pitcher in their playoff debut. Only Don Newcombe (11 strikeouts in the 1949 World Series) and Tim Belcher (10 in the 1988 NLCS) have struck out more in their first postseason start.
Ohtani threw 89 pitches over his six innings, capping off a remarkable outing in his playoff debut. This performance, against a high-powered Philadelphia lineup, was nothing short of exceptional.
An Off Day at the Plate, But a Master on the Mound
While Ohtani’s pitching was stellar, his batting left much to be desired. Going into the game, he had never hit a home run in Philadelphia. On Saturday, he went 0-for-4 with a walk and struck out four times.
However, Ohtani’s mere presence in the game was historic. He became the first player in Major League Baseball history to both start at least one game as a pitcher and as a non-pitcher in the same postseason. Additionally, he became only the second starting pitcher to bat higher than eighth in the lineup—joining none other than Babe Ruth, who hit sixth for the Boston Red Sox in the 1918 World Series.
“It was a little nerve-wracking imagining myself on the mound,” Ohtani admitted after the game. “But once I was out there, it went away, and I was able to focus and enjoy the atmosphere. The reason I’m a two-way player is because it’s who I am, and it’s what I can do. At the same time, it’s what the team needs.”
A Historic Season with the Dodgers
Ohtani’s two-way brilliance has been a key part of the Dodgers’ success. Los Angeles secured their eighth World Series title last season, partly due to his historic performance at the plate. Now, Ohtani’s pitching is positioning the Dodgers for another postseason run—one that could see them repeat as champions.
Conclusion:
Shohei Ohtani’s playoff pitching debut was a moment for the ages. As a two-way player in a game that rarely sees such versatility, he continues to defy expectations and make history with every start. Saturday’s outing was just another example of the unique status he holds in baseball—one that combines excellence on the mound and at the plate. Fans and baseball history enthusiasts alike are lucky enough to witness greatness unfold every time Ohtani steps onto the field.
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