The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for another electrifying clash tonight at 9 p.m. ET, continuing their weekend series. This game is particularly intriguing as it features a showdown between Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie sensation Paul Skenes, marking only the second time these two prolific players will face each other in their careers.
Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park was a battle of exceptional talent. In a memorable showdown, Skenes struck out Ohtani in their initial meeting. However, not one to back down, Ohtani responded in style, crushing a 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off. Ohtani also recorded a solid single in their final at-bat that night, with the single being the hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Ohtani's Pursuit of History
Currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani has shifted his focus to excelling as a designated hitter. The multi-talented star is determined to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His performance this season underscores his capabilities. Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking at 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, a testament to his remarkable hitting prowess. However, it's worth noting that Ohtani's 40% whiff rate on such high-velocity pitches is above the league average of 24.7%.
Skenes Aiming for Greatness
Paul Skenes, on the other hand, has been making waves in his rookie season. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, Skenes ranks fourth in the majors, trailing only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley in this category. The young ace is set on achieving historical milestones, aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game. Additionally, Skenes is eyeing the prestigious double of winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season—a feat only Fernando Valenzuela has accomplished so far.
Skenes reflected on his last matchup with Ohtani, stating, "I like to call that big on big because I obviously beat him a couple of times earlier. I think that was the right pitch to throw there, he's just a pretty darn good player. Stuff like that is going to happen." His grounded perspective belies the fierce competitiveness and respect between these two players.
Dodgers and Pirates Playoff Pursuits
As the Dodgers hold a solid 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West, their playoff prospects look promising, with a staggering 98.4% chance of making it to the postseason. The Pirates, however, find themselves in a more precarious position, sitting 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot. After enduring a five-game losing streak, the Pirates are struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive. Tonight's game will be the final meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates for this season, barring an unexpected playoff encounter. Fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next Pirates-Dodgers series.
The anticipation is palpable as these two powerhouses prepare to clash once more. With Ohtani's exceptional hitting against high-velocity pitches and Skenes' searing fastballs, the stage is set for an enthralling contest. Baseball enthusiasts will undoubtedly be glued to their screens, eager to witness another chapter in this burgeoning rivalry.