It's always been my childhood dream to be able to be in an important situation, to play in important games,” Ohtani said.

Ohtani is getting his first chance on the October playoff stage with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who open the National League Division Series on Saturday against the rival San Diego Padres. He spent the last six years with the Los Angeles Angels, who never had a winning record or made the postseason during his tenure.

Shohei Ohtani might not have the postseason experience of some of his peers. But when the lights are at their brightest, he tends to come alive.