Consider two points of reference. The first is the 2023 World Baseball Classic, the closest thing Ohtani has experienced to the postseason. In 33 plate appearances, Ohtani batted .435 with a 1.345 OPS. He also produced a 1.86 ERA in 9 2/3 innings, concluding the tournament in dramatic fashion by striking out Mike Trout.

Shohei Ohtani, the NL MVP-in-waiting, had Thursday what fairly could be called the best offensive game in MLB history — six hits with three homers, 10 RBIs and 2 steals.