Shohei Ohtani Sets Records in 18-Inning World Series Game
- Richard Sykes
- Oct 28
- 3 min read
LOS ANGELES, CA—In an 18-inning World Series game marked by numerous statistical milestones, Shohei Ohtani once again distinguished himself with an exceptional performance. In Game 3, Ohtani recorded more extra-base hits than any player in World Series history, hitting two home runs and two doubles within the first seven innings.
Following this offensive display, Ohtani reached base five consecutive times via walks—a notable achievement unmatched in major league history. Remarkably, these feats occurred as he was scheduled to pitch the following day.
After the Dodgers secured a 6-5 victory with Freddie Freeman's walk-off home run in the 18th inning, Ohtani commented through his interpreter: "I want to go to sleep as soon as possible so I can get ready." As the next morning arrived, Dodger fans looked forward to the possibility of consecutive championships, with Ohtani having significantly challenged the Toronto Blue Jays’ pitching staff.
The 18-inning contest tied the record for longest World Series game, matching another held in Los Angeles against the Boston Red Sox in 2018. This game lasted 6 hours and 39 minutes, making it the second-longest by duration in World Series history.
Just ten days prior, Ohtani hit three home runs and struck out 10 Milwaukee Brewers to clinch the National League pennant—a performance regarded as one of the most impressive single-game achievements in baseball. He continued to excel, reaching base in all nine plate appearances during his next game.
Freeman emphasized Ohtani’s contribution: “Our starting pitcher got on base nine times tonight. Just incredible. When you're that effective ... like Shohei was tonight, walking him is the right move. You don't want Shohei to beat you; let other players try.”
Ohtani equaled an almost 120-year-old record with four extra-base hits in a World Series game. After Toronto opted for intentional walks, he became the first major league player in 83 years to reach base nine times in a single game, postseason included.
Toronto manager John Schneider stated, “He had a great game. He’s a great player, but afterward, you take the bat out of his hands.” Asked if the Blue Jays’ strategy would continue, Schneider affirmed: “Yeah.”
Following Freeman’s walk-off home run, Ohtani joined team celebrations before heading to the bullpen to celebrate with teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Ohtani stated, "What matters most is we won. What I accomplished today is part of this game, and now we focus on the next game.” Freeman’s decisive home run preceded Ohtani’s scheduled debut as a World Series starting pitcher in Game 4. The extended game may affect his pitching, though his recent performances suggest continued excellence.
Ohtani began Game 3 with a ground-rule double, followed by a solo home run and an RBI double in subsequent innings. His second home run, a 401-foot shot, tied the game in the seventh inning, marking his sixth home run in the Dodgers’ past four games and tying Corey Seager’s franchise postseason record.
The Blue Jays intentionally walked Ohtani four times, setting a postseason record and coming close to the overall major league record held by Andre Dawson. The only other player with four extra-base hits in a World Series game was Frank Isbell of the Chicago White Sox in 1906.
In addition, Ohtani became the first hitter to have multiple games with at least twelve total bases during one postseason; only Babe Ruth has had two such postseason games in his career. Ohtani now has six hits and five RBIs across the first three games of the World Series against the Blue Jays. Despite Toronto fans chanting “We don’t need you!” during their Game 1 win, Ohtani continued to demonstrate his value with a late home run in that loss.
Ohtani’s accomplishments this postseason place him just behind Randy Arozarena, who holds the major league record with ten postseason home runs.
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