"Just a regular dude" - Mookie Betts emphasizes Shohei Ohtani's personality after huge Game 3 win

Shohei Ohtani blasted a three-run home run to put NLCS Game 3 against the New York Mets on ice on Wednesday. It's something his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates, notably Mookie Betts, have seen plenty of times.

Betts is frequently in the on-deck circle or at the plate when Ohtani does something special. When asked, Betts said Ohtani isn't doing anything out of the ordinary to achieve fantastic results.

Betts said after the game:

"He's just a regular dude, just like you and me. He just has a superpower that you and me can't do. So that's pretty much it. But he's a normal dude, goes about his work just like everyone else. I wish I could explain something he does different, but he doesn't do anything different.”

The Mets struggled all night on offense, so LA's four-run lead late in the contest was likely enough to get the win. Nevertheless, Ohtani's three-run shot effectively ended the game then and there. It's his second postseason home run, showing that he doesn't shrink in big moments.

Betts, who has quite the postseason track record as well, doesn't believe his teammate has a trick up his sleeve for it. He's just a great player who happens to be historically good.

---

Mookie Betts downplays Shohei Ohtani's lulls at the plate

Before his three-run home run, Shohei Ohtani had briefly looked a little pedestrian at the plate. Ebbs and flows are natural, but people expect the most out of Ohtani. Mookie Betts doesn't believe that's right.

Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run (Imagn)

Via MLB, he said after the game last night:

“I have no idea why people are talking about Shohei. He’s the best player on the field every day. Oh, he hasn’t got a hit with nobody on. Who cares? It’s Shohei Ohtani. Everybody knows who he is every time he steps in the box. Everybody is expecting something to happen."

He did admit that Ohtani's regular performance is so good that it sets the bar, but it shouldn't be a talking point if he looks "human for 20 at-bats." Eventually, he bounces back like he did last night.