The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates match up once again tonight at 9 p.m. ET, continuing their weekend series. Anticipation is high as fans eagerly await the duel between Los Angeles' two-way star Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie sensation Paul Skenes. Both pitchers command attention, and their talents promise an electrifying game.
Ohtani vs. Skenes: A Promising Rivalry
This matchup marks only the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes. Their first clash in early June at PNC Park is still fresh in the minds of baseball enthusiasts. That initial encounter was a thrilling display of skill, with Skenes striking out Ohtani before Ohtani responded with a 415-foot home run in their next face-off. As the night progressed, Ohtani also managed a solid single, which was his hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Paul Skenes, known for his formidable four-seam fastball averaging 98.9 mph, ranks fourth in the majors for velocity in this category, behind Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Despite Ohtani being sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, his prowess at the plate remains indisputable. He has shown incredible form this season, going 9 for 18 against pitches of 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph on these pitches. Nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity.
An Uncompromising Duel
"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," Paul Skenes reflected on their last encounter. This statement encapsulates the competitive spirit both players bring to the field, contributing to what could be a burgeoning rivalry.
Ohtani's extraordinary talents also include a 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder, which is higher than the league average of 24.7%. This stat underscores Ohtani’s aggressive approach at the plate, a method that yields high returns despite the associated risks. His determination to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award adds another layer of intrigue to every game he plays.
High Stakes for Both Teams
The Dodgers are currently leading the National League West by 2 1/2 games and have a staggering 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. In contrast, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot. The Pirates are in a critical phase, struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak.
Tonight's game will be the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they meet in the playoffs. For fans eager for more of these head-to-head matchups, the next series between the Pirates and Dodgers is scheduled for April 25-27, 2025.
The performance of both Ohtani and Skenes during these intense showdowns not only highlights their personal drive and skill but also adds a scintillating narrative to an already captivating season. As the Dodgers look to solidify their postseason position, and the Pirates fight to remain in contention, tonight's game promises to be a spectacle of baseball talent and tenacity.
With both teams having much at stake, the continuation of the Dodgers-Pirates series is more than just another game—it's a crucible where future legends are forged. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching every pitch, every swing, and every play as these two remarkable talents once more step onto the field to showcase their athletic prowess.