The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET, featuring an exciting matchup between two standout pitchers: Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie ace Paul Skenes. Baseball enthusiasts everywhere are eagerly anticipating what is only the second career meeting between these two talents.
In their first encounter in early June at PNC Park, the rookie Skenes struck out Ohtani, setting the stage for what has become an intriguing rivalry. Ohtani, however, did not remain quiet for long. In their subsequent face-off, he launched a mammoth 415-foot home run. Later that night, he solidified his offensive prowess with a solid single, which came off his bat at a blistering 107.6 mph—the hardest-hit ball of the evening.
Ohtani's Offensive Dominance
Shohei Ohtani, often hailed for his two-way abilities, is currently focusing solely on his offensive game as he recovers from pitching duties. His performance this season speaks volumes, particularly against high-velocity pitches. Remarkably, Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking in at 98 mph or harder, boasting an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph on these pitches. Additionally, nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed an exit velocity of 95 mph. However, his 40% whiff rate on such pitches remains above the league average of 24.7%.
Ohtani is not just a slugger but a strategic hitter who adjusts and learns from each at-bat. As he strives to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, his focus and determination are evident in his continuous improvement and excellence at the plate.
Paul Skenes: Rising Star on the Mound
On the other side of the diamond stands Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh's rookie sensation whose average four-seam fastball velocity is an impressive 98.9 mph, ranking him fourth in the majors. The only pitchers ahead of him in this category are Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is eyeing unprecedented achievements, including becoming the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game and aiming to capture both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year. The only player to have achieved this dual honor is Fernando Valenzuela.
Skenes reflected on his previous duels with Ohtani, acknowledging the challenge and skill of his opponent. "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," Skenes remarked.
Dodgers vs. Pirates: Playoff Implications
As the Dodgers hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West with a commanding 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs, tonight's game represents another step towards solidifying their postseason ambitions. Conversely, the Pirates face a more daunting challenge, being 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot and struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive amidst a five-game losing streak.
For fans, this game presents not only a clash of top-tier pitching talent but also the thrill of witnessing key moments that could shape the remainder of the season. With both teams having their sights set on postseason success, every pitch, hit, and play carries significant weight.
This will be the final meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they cross paths in the playoffs. The next scheduled series between these teams will take place from April 25-27 in 2025, making tonight's game even more significant for those looking for a season-capping highlight.
As the stage is set for another memorable showdown between Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes, one can only predict an electrifying game filled with remarkable feats and high-stakes drama. Baseball fans wouldn’t want to miss it.