The Dodgers are set for a pivotal Game 3 in the Wild Card Series after Blake Snell’s dominant pitching and Shohei Ohtani’s explosive hitting in Game 1. Ohtani made history with a 117.7 mph leadoff homer and a 454-foot blast, electrifying the crowd and setting the tone for LA’s playoff push.

All eyes now turn to whether Ohtani will take the mound in Game 3, adding another layer to his two-way superstar narrative. With Snell’s flawless performance and Ohtani’s unmatched versatility, the Dodgers hold all the cards—but will they play their ultimate ace?

Dodger Game Today: Shohei Ohtani’s Power and Pitching Decision in Wild Card Series Game 3 After Snell’s Dominance

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Power Display Sets Wild Card Series Tone

The Los Dodgers erupted in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series behind Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented power surge. The two-way superstar crushed a 117.7 mph leadoff homer – the hardest-hit postseason home run since Statcast tracking began – followed by a 454-foot moonshot that sent Dodger Stadium into frenzy. This marked the first time in MLB history a player hit multiple 450+ foot homers in a single playoff game.

Ohtani’s 2025 postseason debut continued his regular season dominance where he led MLB in:

• Average exit velocity (97.1 mph)
• Hard-hit rate (62.3%)
• Barrels per plate appearance (18.9%)

His Game 1 performance raises fascinating questions about how manager Dave Roberts will utilize baseball’s most unique weapon moving forward in the series.

The most astonishing part? That 117.7 mph laser wasn’t even Ohtani’s hardest hit this season – he topped 121 mph twice in August. When he connects, the ball sounds different leaving his bat.

Blake Snell’s Mastery Creates Pitching Dilemma For Game 3

While Ohtani stole headlines with his bat, Blake Snell delivered a vintage postseason performance in Game 1:

Snell’s dominant outing gives Los Angeles flexibility regarding Ohtani’s potential Game 3 start. Historically, Ohtani pitching on short rest yields mixed results:

• 4.15 ERA in 12 career short-rest starts
• 2.98 K/BB ratio (vs 3.45 normal rest)
• Opponent OPS rises from .642 to .712

Analyzing Ohtani’s Two-Way Split

The Dodgers must weigh competing priorities:

• As pitcher: 2.98 ERA, 33.1% strikeout rate
• As hitter: MLB-leading 1.107 OPS, 50 HR

Here’s what many aren’t considering – Ohtani’s presence on the mound changes how opponents construct lineups. Pittsburgh altered three positions when he pitched against them in September.

Breaking Down Ohtani’s Record-Setting Homers

While the 454-foot blast dazzled, it actually ranked fourth among Ohtani’s longest 2025 homers:

1. 473 ft (June 11 @ Colorado)
2. 467 ft (July 29 vs. Arizona)
3. 459 ft (August 3 @ Chicago)

The significance lies in his compact swing generating such power:

• 117.7 mph homer came on 96 mph fastball
• Bat speed measured at 85.6 mph (MLB avg: 71 mph)
• Ball cleared fence in just 3.8 seconds

How Ohtani’s Power Compares Historically

Since Statcast began tracking in 2015:

• 3 of 5 hardest-hit postseason HRs belong to Ohtani
• Only player with multiple 450+ ft playoff HRs
• His 121.3 mph Aug 19 double harder than any MLB HR

What separates Ohtani isn’t just raw power – it’s his ability to maintain mechanics against elite velocity. He’s batting .412 vs 100+ mph fastballs this postseason.

The Strategic Implications of Ohtani Pitching Game 3

If Ohtani starts Game 3, several unique considerations emerge:

Batting Order Configuration

Potential lineup options:

• Option A: Hits normally, exits after pitching
• Option B: Hits cleanup, plays RF after pitching
• Option C: DH-only if bullpen takes over

Defensive Alignment

Cincinnati would likely counter with:

• More left-handed bats (Ohtani’s splits favor RH)
• Aggressive baserunning (Ohtani holds runners well)
• Earlier pinch-hitting decisions

The hidden factor? PitchCom logistics shift when Ohtani pitches – catchers can’t use standard sequencing against a batter who knows what’s coming.

Could This Postseason Spark Another Historic Ohtani Campaign?

After achieving MLB’s first 50 HR/50 SB season in 2024, Ohtani nearly replicated it in 2025 (50 HR, 47 SB). His postseason explosion suggests another historic campaign could loom.

Historical comparables:

Potential 2026 Milestones

Ohtani could challenge:

• 60 HR season
• 60 SB season
• First ever 60-60 campaign

Don’t sleep on his pitching development either. His splitter (.098 BA against) is evolving into MLB’s most unhittable pitch since Mariano’s cutter.

Dodgers’ Roster Construction: Heyward’s Role Analyzed

While Ohtani dominates headlines, Jason Heyward’s continued playing time raises questions:

His defensive excellence outweighs offensive shortcomings:

• Saved 7 runs defensively in September alone
• Converts 92% of catch opportunities (MLB avg: 88%)
• Prevented 5 HRs via wall climbs

In October, one run-saving catch matters more than twenty mediocre at-bats. Heyward’s presence allows Betts to play his optimal position.