The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are gearing up for an electrifying continuation of their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET. With key players Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers and the Pirates' rookie ace Paul Skenes set to face off, fans can anticipate a high-octane matchup full of intriguing storylines.
A Clash of Titans: Ohtani vs. Skenes
This game marks only the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes. Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park was nothing short of thrilling. Skenes struck out Ohtani in their initial showdown, showcasing his prowess against one of the game's most feared hitters. However, Ohtani quickly adjusted, launching a towering 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off, and capping the night with a blistering single—the hardest-hit ball of the evening at 107.6 mph exit velocity.
"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 reflected on his battle with Ohtani.
Ohtani's Battle Against Speed
Shohei Ohtani, although sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, continues to impact the game significantly as a designated hitter. He is striving to become the first full-time designated hitter to clinch the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Ohtani's prowess against high-speed pitches is particularly noteworthy this season. He has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking 98 mph or harder, with an impressive average exit velocity of 99.8 mph on these pitches. Notably, nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity.
This ability to handle high-velocity pitches will be tested yet again against Skenes, whose average four-seam fastball velocity sits at an eye-popping 98.9 mph, ranking fourth in the majors. Only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley surpass him in this category. While Ohtani's 40% whiff rate on such blistering pitches is above the league average of 24.7%, his exceptional hitting skills keep pitchers on their toes.
Skenes' Rise to Stardom
Paul Skenes is not just another rookie; he is making a compelling case for both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, a rare feat accomplished only once by Fernando Valenzuela. Skenes is also eyeing an All-Star Game start, a first for any player drafted to the majors. His formidable fastball and competitive spirit make him a defining player for the Pirates amidst their struggles to remain in playoff contention.
Team Dynamics and Playoff Prospects
The Dodgers currently hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West, with a striking 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' postseason hopes have been dimmed by a five-game losing streak, making every game crucial as they fight to stay afloat.
Tonight's game marks the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they meet in the playoffs. Fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next Pirates-Dodgers series. This heightens the anticipation and stakes for tonight's matchup, as both teams bring their best to the field.
In conclusion, as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates clash tonight, the spotlight will indeed be on the encounter between Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes. Both players have proven their mettle in their previous encounters, and tonight’s game promises more fireworks. Whether it's Ohtani's hitting prowess against high-velocity pitches or Skenes' rapid rise in the pitching ranks, this game is set to be a memorable chapter in their budding rivalry.