Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani rounds the bases on his home run against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning of Game 4. Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani delivers historic first inning for Dodgers in Game 4

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 9:06 AM ET

Not since the days of Babe Ruth has there been a Major League Baseball player who has possessed the two-way ability of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. He is the best left-handed power-hitter in the sport. He is a dominant right-handed starting pitcher. On some nights, you get to see him excel in both areas.

The first inning of Game 4 of the 2025 NLCS against the Milwaukee Brewers was one of those instances.

Shohei Ohtani with another historic moment

Ohtani got the Game 4 start for the Dodgers and opened the game by striking out the side in the top of the first innings. All three strikeouts came following a lead-off walk to Brice Turang. He followed that by breezing through Jackson Chourio, Christian Yelich and William Contreras.

As if that was not impressive enough, he opened the bottom of the first inning by clubbing a monster home run deep into the right field stands.

Three strikeouts in the top of the 1st

One long home run in the bottom of the 1st

Only one Shohei Ohtani! pic.twitter.com/b0uSMLzhLU
— MLB (@MLB) October 18, 2025

It is a noteworthy home run, not only because it gave the Dodgers an early lead and came after he struck out three batters, but also because it made him the first starting pitcher to ever hit a lead-off home run in a game.

Ever.

In a regular-season game or postseason game.

First leadoff home run by a pitcher in mlb history
Reg or post

SHOHEI!!!! https://t.co/VNLKQpFwEU
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 18, 2025

Granted, not many pitchers get the opportunity to hit lead-off, but it is still surprising that Ohtani himself had never done it himself before Friday.

For good measure, Ohtani smashed another home run in the bottom of the fourth.

SHOHEI OHTANI HITS ONE OUT OF DODGER STADIUM. pic.twitter.com/LC93DjY27U
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) October 18, 2025

Ohtani hit 55 home runs during the regular season with a 1.014 OPS, while also posting a 2.87 ERA in 47 innings on the mound as he made his return from Tommy John surgery.

His 55 home runs were third in the major leagues and second in the National League, while his OPS led the National League and was second in the major leagues.

Before his home runs on Friday, he had been struggling in the playoffs at the plate, but it was always going to be a matter of time until he snapped that slump.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on Twitter @AGretz

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