Ohtani: 'Thoroughly enjoyed' playoff debut

Shohei Ohtani's long-awaited postseason debut unquestionably lived up to the hype.

The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar crushed a three-run home run in a 7-5 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday night to announce his October arrival in style.

"I could really feel the intensity of the stadium before the game began, and I thoroughly enjoyed it," Ohtani said, per SportsNet LA.

Ohtani's home run was a turning point for the Dodgers, who were down 3-0 when he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the second inning.

"It's really difficult for a playoff team to be able to get into and feel comfortable playing in the first game of the postseason, especially with the long layoff," Ohtani said. "But I think everybody really contributed today, the entire team, including the bullpen, especially. And it's always difficult to kind of close the gap between playing in live situations and not."

Ohtani's first trip to the postseason comes seven years into his historic MLB career. The soon-to-be NL MVP fell short with the Angels six times despite delivering All-Star-caliber play as both a hitter and pitcher.

Now, in his first season of a 10-year, $700-million megadeal, Ohtani is relishing the opportunity to show out on the biggest stage.

"There's difficulty in getting through a regular season, but I'm also experiencing what it's like to play in a postseason game, which is a difficulty in a different sense," he added. "I'm just very happy to be part of it."

Ohtani posted a staggering 1.036 OPS (190+) with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases during the regular season.

Game 2 between the Dodgers and Padres is set for 8:03 p.m. ET on Sunday.