The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are set for another captivating showdown tonight at 9 p.m. ET, continuing what has already been an intriguing weekend series. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash, especially with Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie sensation Paul Skenes taking center stage.
Ohtani and Skenes: A Rivalry in the Making
Tonight's game will mark only the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes, adding another layer of excitement to an already thrilling matchup. Their first encounter, which took place in early June at PNC Park, offered a glimpse of the intense rivalry that could shape up between these two exceptional talents.
During their initial meeting, Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani, showcasing his formidable skills on the mound. However, Ohtani quickly adapted, hitting a 415-foot home run in their next at-bat, followed by a solid single in their final face-off that night. The single was especially noteworthy, clocking in at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity, the hardest-hit ball of Ohtani's evening.
Reflecting on their encounters, Skenes remarked, "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 Stellar Season
Shohei Ohtani's performance this season has been nothing short of spectacular. Currently focusing solely on batting due to recovery, Ohtani is striving to become the first full-time designated hitter to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His stats are impressive; against pitches of 98 mph or harder, Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, further highlighting his extraordinary hitting prowess.
Despite his strengths, Ohtani's 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder remains above the league average of 24.7%. This could prove pivotal tonight as Paul Skenes, with an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, takes the mound. Skenes ranks fourth in the majors for average four-seam fastball velocity, trailing only behind Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley.
Skenes' Ambitious Goals
As Skenes prepares for tonight's game, his ambitions extend beyond just another start. The rookie is aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game, and he's also setting his sights on winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season—a feat accomplished only by Fernando Valenzuela.
The Pirates could certainly use a standout performance from Skenes. The team is currently 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak. Tonight's game is critical as it marks their last meeting with the Dodgers this year, unless they cross paths in the playoffs. The next Pirates-Dodgers series isn't scheduled until April 25-27, 2025.
Dodgers in Control
On the other hand, the Dodgers are enjoying a strong position in the National League West, holding a 2 1/2-game lead. Their playoff prospects are highly favorable, boasting a 98.4% chance of making it to the postseason. They will be looking to capitalize on their current momentum and further solidify their standing with a win tonight.
As fans brace for another thrilling encounter, the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on Ohtani and Skenes, two players whose paths have crossed in memorable ways and could continue to do so for years to come. Whether it's Ohtani's powerful hitting or Skenes' intense pitching, tonight's game promises a spectacle that will keep baseball enthusiasts glued to their screens.