The Mets’ postseason magic looks ineffectual in front of the Dodgers. Initially expected to be a thrilling series, the NLCS has turned into a one-sided show. With the Dodgers leading 3-1, it might just be a matter of one day before they find themselves advancing to the World Series. That’s quite a turnaround from the last 2 years and one can’t ignore Shohei Ohtani’s role in this epic story. 

The two-way phenom’s historical run has continued throughout 2024. However, even Ohtani went through a peculiar phase during his MLB career’s first playoff appearance. The Dodgers star was performing like a beast in RISP situations (his average was over .700) but in leadoff situations, Ohtani had no hits, which was strange but then, one knew it wouldn’t last long. And that belief was right, Ohtani set off the fireworks with a leadoff home run in game 4.

But more importantly, he has sent a big message to his Dodgers teammates after the game to finish the series quickly. “We played good baseball in enemy territory yesterday and today, and I’d like to connect that to tomorrow,” Ohtani said in Los Angeles Times, adding, “I’d like us to have the feeling that we will decide it tomorrow.” After a huge 10-2 win in NLCS Game 4, Ohtani’s wish might just turn into a reality. Especially when the team’s offense is clicking at a level rarely seen in the postseason.

Apart from their game 2 loss, the Dodgers have completely dominated this series. A simple stat can easily prove it, the Dodgers lead the Mets 31-9 in runs scored. But that might not even be the best record to look at. The Blue Crew has drawn 31 walks in this series – the highest in League Championship Series history. So is it a surprise that the Dodger Stadium is buzzing right now?

Shohei Ohtani breaks records and ticket prices sour as World Series looms

Entering into Game 4 Shohei Ohtani was in a confusing situation. He was destructive in RISP situations but equally ineffectual when bases were empty. However, that certainly ended with his huge 117.8 mph Leadoff home run. That was the third most powerful postseason hit since Statcast began tracking things (behind only Kyle Schwarber and Giancarlo Stanton’s rockets). However, Shotime’s magic isn’t limited to just within the field, even outside of it he’s proved to be a massive game-changer.

Joe Pompliano reported that the Dodgers’ NLDS Game 5 against the San Diego Padres was seen by 12.9 million households in Japan. That was by far the highest rating for an MLB game in Japan. And adding the 7.5 million viewers in the US, that game’s total viewership climbs to over 20 million. This is a testament to the Dodgers and Ohtani’s unreal popularity. But if that isn’t enough the Dodger Stadium has already started selling tickets for World Series. And as expected they are quite expensive.

Per LA Times, the tickets initially started selling at over $800. However, gradually the price increased and per the last report, it currently sits at over $1100 for one person. Imagine, a couple going to the World Series will have to fork out over $2000 to watch the game. But that’s the level of demand currently in LA and for a good reason. So, will the Dodgers pay attention to Ohtani’s request and end the series in Game 5? Let us know in the comments.