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Shohei Ohtani delivered the jolt the Los Angeles Dodgers desperately needed, ending a career-long home run drought with a massive three-run shot in National League Championship Series Game 4 on Thursday.
With the Dodgers attempting to avoid a sweep against the Milwaukee Brewers, Ohtani launched a 428-foot homer to right field in the second inning. The blast came off Brewers right-hander Dustin May and gave Los Angeles an early 4-0 lead, igniting a packed Dodger Stadium.
Shohei Ohtani Ends Career-Long Home Run Drought
Ohtani’s home run was his first since Aug. 18, ending a 25-game drought that represented the longest stretch without a homer in his major league career. He flipped his bat toward the third-base dugout before raising both hands in celebration as the crowd responded with a thunderous roar.
The home run was also the Dodgers’ first of the NLCS. It arrived at a critical moment for a team whose offense had struggled badly through the opening games of the series and throughout the postseason.
- Home run distance: 428 feet
- Result: Three-run homer
- Inning: Second inning
- Previous home run: Aug. 18
- Career drought: 25 games
A Much-Needed Breakthrough for the Dodgers Star
Before Thursday’s game, Ohtani had recorded only three singles in 20 postseason at-bats. Since Aug. 18, he had been hitting .156 with a .283 on-base percentage and a .200 slugging percentage, numbers that reflected the unusual struggles of one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.
He had repeatedly been late on fastballs in the strike zone and had struggled to lay off breaking pitches below and outside the strike zone. The prolonged slump made Ohtani one of the most closely watched players in the Dodgers-Brewers matchup.
There were signs of improvement in Game 3, despite Los Angeles’ 6-2 loss. Ohtani reached base with a walk and a hit by pitch, lined a 113.5 mph single up the middle and hit a fly ball to the opposite field. Those at-bats offered encouragement before his explosive breakthrough in Game 4.
Dave Roberts Makes Bold Lineup Decision
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made a notable decision by moving Ohtani back into the leadoff spot, even though Milwaukee started left-hander Shane Drohan. It was Ohtani’s first start at leadoff against an opposing lefty since Sept. 2.
The move came after Ohtani had occupied several different spots in the batting order. Following his return from the injured list on Sept. 23, he shared leadoff duties with Mookie Betts and generally hit second against left-handed pitchers. During the NL Division Series, he moved into the Nos. 4 and 5 spots before batting sixth in Game 3 of the NLCS.
Roberts said Ohtani had worked late into the evening and appeared to be making meaningful mechanical adjustments. The manager believed giving him five potential at-bats at the top of the order offered the Dodgers their best chance to create offense.
“The work, being here till 9 o’clock two nights ago working, the at-bats yesterday — for me, baking all that in, I felt, ‘Absolutely, put him at the top,’” Roberts said, according to ESPN.
Dodgers Offense Searching for a Historic Comeback
The Dodgers entered Game 4 facing a 3-0 deficit in the NLCS, leaving them on the brink of elimination. A comeback from that position would require a remarkable turnaround, particularly for an offense that had produced only two extra-base hits across the first three games of the series.
Los Angeles had posted a .572 OPS during the postseason entering Thursday, ranking near the bottom among teams with at least seven games in a single postseason. Ohtani’s long-awaited home run provided an immediate surge of energy and restored belief inside the stadium.
The moment also rewarded the Dodgers’ continued faith in their two-way superstar. Rather than remove him from the lineup or give him a full day off, the club trusted Ohtani’s preparation and ability to adjust. His response was an emphatic reminder of the power that can change a playoff game with one swing.
For Milwaukee, the early deficit created another test as the Brewers tried to complete a sweep and advance with momentum. For Los Angeles, Ohtani’s home run represented more than three runs: It was a critical spark for a team fighting to keep its championship hopes alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Shohei Ohtani hit his home run?
Shohei Ohtani hit his three-run home run in the second inning of NLCS Game 4 on Oct. 15, 2026.
How long was Ohtani’s home run drought?
Ohtani had gone 25 games without a home run, the longest homer drought of his major league career.
How far did the home run travel?
The home run traveled an estimated 428 feet to right field at Dodger Stadium.
Who allowed Ohtani’s home run?
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Dustin May allowed the three-run home run in the second inning.
Why was Ohtani batting leadoff?
Dave Roberts moved Ohtani to leadoff after seeing encouraging signs in his recent at-bats and believing the Dodgers needed his bat at the top of the lineup.
