Shohei Ohtani has to pitch after playing one of the greatest (and longest) playoff games ever.

World Series Game 3 lasted 6 hours and 39 minutes. It was a marathon of a game that spanned 18 innings and didn't end until after 2 a.m. on the East Coast (you can thank Brad Paisley for that). No player did more over the course of that time than the great Shohei Ohtani, who reached base an MLB-playoff record nine times, going 4-for-4 with five walks, two home runs, two doubles and three RBI.

Today, less than 24 hours later, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays will be playing another game... and Ohtani has to pitch.

Let that sink in a minute. Ohtani is really about to take the mound as a starter after not just playing one of the longest World Series games ever, but shining in one of the longest games ever. He was on base an average of once every other inning. He came around to score three times. He got caught stealing another time. He started cramping. Yet, after the game, manager Dave Roberts said "Shohei is good to go. Cramps and all, he's going. He's pitching."

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We're witnessing something truly incredible. Who knows how well Ohtani is capable of pitching under these circumstances, but the attempt in itself is admirable. If he lasts for just half the six innings he's been averaging this postseason, it'll be more than anyone could reasonably expect. Whatever he does, it'll be just the latest unreal feat in what's been one of the most remarkable postseason runs we've ever seen.

Let's not forget, the last time Ohtani pitched, he gave up just two hits and struck out 10 batters in a game he also hit three home runs to help the Dodgers advance past the Brewers in Game 4 of the NLCS. Given what he's pulled off so far, it'd be foolish to start doubting what he's capable of now.

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"I want to go to sleep as soon as possible, so I can get ready," Ohtani said after Game 3. That has to be a terrifying thought for the Blue Jays after what he just did to them.

Quick Hits: NFL power rankings ... Ellen Kershaw going through it ... and more

  • FTW's NFL Week 9 power rankings are here, and whew... are the Colts really the only good team out there?
  • The long World Series Game 3 gave Clayton Kershaw a chance to take the mound for potentially one last time, and his wife Ellen could barely control her emotions.
  • Shohei Ohtani had a great response to Blue Jays fans chanting "we don't need you."
  • Who are the top NFL head coach candidates at the midway point of the season? Cory Woodroof has you covered with this list.

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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Shohei Ohtani is not real and he's about to prove it again today

Reporting by Prince J. Grimes, For The Win / For The Win

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