The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are primed for a thrilling continuation of their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET. This game will showcase two of the most electrifying players in Major League Baseball: Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie sensation Paul Skenes.
Second Career Meeting Between Ohtani and Skenes
The anticipation surrounding this matchup is heightened by the fact that it's only the second time Ohtani and Skenes will face each other in their careers. Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park was a memorable one, with both players showcasing their elite skills in dramatic fashion. Skenes struck out Ohtani in their initial showdown, but the Japanese superstar responded with a 415-foot home run in their next face-off, followed by a hard-hit single clocked at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Paul Skenes provided a candid reflection on his encounters 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."
Ohtani's Offensive Brilliance
Ohtani may be sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, but his performance as a designated hitter remains unparalleled. He is on a quest to become the first full-time designated hitter to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His stats this season are a testament to his exceptional talent. Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking in at 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph on those hits. Remarkably, nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity. However, it’s not all smooth sailing, as Ohtani's 40% whiff rate on 98 mph or harder pitches is notably higher than the league average of 24.7%.
Skenes' Rising Stardom
Pittsburgh's rookie ace, Paul Skenes, has quickly established himself as one of the top young talents in the game. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, Skenes ranks fourth in the majors, behind only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. His meteoric rise has fueled aspirations of becoming the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game. He also aims to clinch both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year, a feat only achieved once before by Fernando Valenzuela.
Dodgers and Pirates Playoff Aspirations
The stakes for both teams extend beyond individual accolades. The Dodgers are leading the National League West by 2 1/2 games and have a commanding 98.4% chance of making the playoffs. In contrast, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot and are battling to keep their postseason dreams alive amid a challenging five-game losing streak.
As this series draws to a close, unless fate brings these teams together in the playoffs, it will be the last time the Dodgers and Pirates meet this year. Fans of both teams have marked their calendars for the next Pirates-Dodgers series scheduled for April 25-27, 2025.
Tonight's game is more than just a battle for a win; it's a showcase of exceptional talent and a potential preview of what the future holds for two of baseball’s rising stars. All eyes will be on Ohtani and Skenes as they write the next chapter in their burgeoning rivalry.