Did Shohei Ohtani Just Deliver the Greatest Game Ever?

 

Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani went 6-for-6 with three home runs, 10 RBIs and two steals. Getty Image

"MIAMI — After splurging over $1 billion on contracts this offseason, the Dodgers entered the 2024 season with World Series aspirations. On Thursday afternoon, they made the first significant stride towards that goal."

Los Angeles clinched a spot in the 2024 postseason with a commanding 20-4 victory over Miami at loanDepot Park, becoming the fourth team to secure a playoff berth this year. This marks the 12th consecutive season the Dodgers have reached the postseason, extending the longest streak in franchise history.

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With their sights set on capturing an 11th National League West title in 12 years, the Dodgers hold a four-game lead over the Padres with nine games remaining. The two teams are set for a critical three-game series at Dodger Stadium starting Tuesday.

"It feels great," said outfielder Teoscar Hernández. "Winning was one of my priorities, and that's why I came here. Now it's about winning the division, getting more wins, and keeping our momentum into the playoffs."

The Dodgers' offensive explosion was led by Shohei Ohtani, who made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. Ohtani went 6-for-6 with three home runs, two stolen bases, and a career-high 10 RBIs, putting on one of the greatest individual performances ever.

“Take the season out of it—today was probably the single best offensive game I’ve ever seen,” said third baseman Max Muncy. “Six hits, 10 RBIs, three home runs, and two stolen bases. It’s insane.”

Ohtani’s six-hit game featured a leadoff double in the first inning, followed by a stolen base and a score on a Will Smith sacrifice fly. He later belted a two-run homer in the sixth, a three-run shot in the seventh, and capped off his day with another three-run blast in the ninth, reaching the historic 50-50 mark.

In his debut season with the Dodgers, Ohtani clinched a postseason berth for the first time in his career, ending an 865-game streak without making the playoffs—the longest active streak among MLB players.

“Changing teams this year, my goal was to make it to the playoffs,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. “Now, I want to perform well in those high-pressure situations.”

Despite numerous injuries throughout the season—including extended absences for Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and pitchers Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, and Clayton Kershaw—the Dodgers have managed to stay near the top of the National League standings. Midseason acquisitions like Michael Kopech, Jack Flaherty, and Tommy Edman have also been pivotal to the team's success.

“There’s still plenty of work to be done,” said manager Dave Roberts. “The goal is to win the last game in October, but moments like tonight are worth celebrating. It’s been a grind, and when things like this happen, you have to enjoy it.”

While the Dodgers have a long road ahead to capture their first World Series title in a full season since 1988, Thursday’s win marked a significant step forward in their pursuit.