The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET. The game promises high drama as Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani goes head-to-head with Pittsburgh's rookie ace Paul Skenes. This marks only the second career meeting between the two phenoms, adding another layer of excitement to an already compelling narrative.
Previous Encounters That Left a Mark
The first encounter between Ohtani and Skenes took place in early June at PNC Park. It was a battle for the ages, with Skenes striking out Ohtani in their first showdown. But Ohtani wasn’t to be undone for long. He smashed a towering 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off, proving why he is considered one of the most formidable hitters in the league. Ohtani later hit a solid single in their final at-bat that night, which was his hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at a blistering 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Ohtani's Offensive Mastery
Currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani has been focusing on his hitting game. He is striving to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. And his stats back up his ambition. This season, Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches of 98 mph or harder, boasting an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph on those pitches. Nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, making him a consistent threat at the plate. However, Ohtani does have a 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder, which is above the league average of 24.7%.
Skenes: The Rising Star
On the other side of the diamond, Paul Skenes is making waves as one of the most promising rookies in recent history. His average four-seam fastball velocity is 98.9 mph, placing him fourth in the majors. The only pitchers ahead of him in this category are Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is not just aiming high; he's setting his sights on making history. He is attempting to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game while simultaneously aiming to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year. Only Fernando Valenzuela has achieved this rare feat in the past.
Reflecting on his previous encounters with Ohtani, Skenes commented, "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."
High Stakes for Both Teams
The Dodgers currently hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West and have a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. The Pirates, on the other hand, are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot and are struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak. This game will be the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they meet in the playoffs. The next Pirates-Dodgers series is slated for April 25-27, 2025.
Tonight's game holds significant implications for both teams. For the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to solidify their lead in the division and virtually guarantee their playoff berth. For the Pirates, it’s a chance to break their losing streak and reignite their postseason aspirations. With Ohtani and Skenes set to play prominent roles, the stage is set for another unforgettable night of baseball.