Shohei Ohtani Hits Three-Run Homer in NLCS Game 4; Guardians Take 2-1 Series Lead

Shohei Ohtani broke a postseason slump with a three-run home run to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a four-run lead during Game 4 of the NLCS.

Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run to provide the Los Angeles Dodgers a four-run cushion against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS. The blast ended a slump for Ohtani and supported an early 1-0 lead established by Andy Pages, who drove a base hit up the middle in the second inning. Pages recorded three of the team's first four hits with runners in scoring position during the contest.

Milwaukee rallied to tie the game after Jake Bauers drew a bases-loaded walk from pitcher Alex Vesia. Bauers also contributed a two-run double that cut a previous Dodgers lead to 4-2, while David Hamilton added an RBI to bring the Brewers within one run. The Brewers entered the matchup leading the series 3-0, seeking their first World Series appearance since 1982.

In the American League Championship Series, the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 to take a 2-1 series lead. Petey Halpin provided the winning margin with a two-run, 385-foot home run off a 96 mph sinker from Griffin Jax in the fifth inning. Nathaniel Lowe opened the scoring for Cleveland with an RBI double, while Chandler Simpson briefly gave Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead with a two-run triple in the fourth.

Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out nine batters across five innings, allowing only six fastballs in his first 32 pitches. The Rays, who held the lowest strikeout rate in the majors this season, struck out 13 times in the loss. Junior Caminero finished 0-for-4 with four strikeouts, matching a career high. Game 4 of the ALCS is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. ET, though potential rain may push the contest to Saturday.