Shohei Ohtani quickly made his MLB postseason debut, belting two home runs as the Dodgers topped the Cincinnati Reds 10–5 in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.
Ohtani opened the scoring with a leadoff homer in the bottom half of the first inning, slugging 100.4 mph off Hunter Greene to right field. It was the hardest pitch Ohtani has ever homered off in his career, according to MLB.com, and also the fourth-fastest postseason hit since Statcast tracking began in 2015 – 117.7 mph.
«It was really a tough pitch to hit, but I felt I reacted well enough, and I’m glad I was able to help the team score early in the game.»
Ohtani’s second hit was a 454-foot, two-run homer off reliever Connor Phillips, clocked at 113.5 mph. According to MLB, this was the Dodgers’ longest postseason homer.
Teoscar Hernández also showed power, adding two home runs on the night, and Tommy Edman was the author of a solo shot in the third inning, helping the team take a 10–5 lead and maintain the advantage throughout the game.
The 31-year-old Ohtani also posted a career-high 55 homers for the regular season. If his hitting feats continue to fuel playoff chatter, he could emerge as a pitcher. Last year he did not play due to elbow surgery and never appeared in the Angels’ playoffs, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts believed Ohtani’s chances to pitch against the Reds were limited.
«Never say never, but I don’t think so. But on the other hand, I believe anything is possible.»
«I am ready to perform in any situation.»
The Dodgers and Reds return to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday for Game 2 of the Wild Card series.
«Tariq set an incredible tone for us. He was incredible for us all season, but what a performance in the most crucial moments on the biggest stage to put us in a great position to win.»
In the context of the AL season, Tariq Skubal also played a key role at the start of the year, delivering the Tigers a road lead in a decisive 2–1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians. According to MLB.com, 11 of his 107 pitches were faster than 100 mph, and all of them surpassed his previous postseason-year results.
After Skubal’s brilliant outing, the Tigers hold onto a chance for revenge for a playoff defeat. “Tariq set an incredible tone for us,” said after the game manager AJ Hinch, “He was incredible for us all season, but that was a performance in the biggest moments on the grandest stage that put us in a great position to win.”
