MLB: A prodigious Ohtani makes history and leads the Dodgers to the World Series

(AFP) The Dodgers of Los Angeles will defend the title in their second World Series in a row after defeating the Brewers of Milwaukee on Friday 5x1, on a night when Shohehei Ohtani added to his legend with a once-in-a-lifetime performance.

The Japanese superstar hit three home runs in a game in which he also pitched for six innings, in which he struck out 10 and did not allow a single run.

The Dodgers thus completed a sweep of Milwaukee by 4-0 in this National League Championship Series.

Starting Oct. 24, the popular California franchise will vie to become the first to repeat as champions since 2000, in a World Series that will pit them against the Seattle Mariners or the Toronto Blue Jays. 

Until the Major League Baseball final kicks off, the 56,000 fans at Dodger Stadium can enjoy the memory of their idol's historic night.

Ohtani, who had struggled through a quiet postseason, came roaring back with another display of his rare two-way talent—something not seen in American baseball since the days of the legendary Babe Ruth.

Before the 31-year-old Japanese, no pitcher had struck two home runs in a playoff game.

His final tally of three homers and 10 strikeouts also had never been recorded in all of major league history, both in playoffs or regular season.

"It was really fun on both sides," declared Ohtani, who dedicated his MVP (Most Valuable Player) award for the series to baseball fans around the planet.

"We won it as a team, it's really a team effort. I hope everyone in Los Angeles, Japan and around the world can enjoy some good sake," Ohtani joked through a translator.