Dodgers vs. Pirates: Ohtani and Skenes Face Off Again in Anticipated Matchup
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on the intriguing rematch between Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie ace, Paul Skenes. This highly anticipated game promises excitement as it marks only the second career meeting between these two dynamic players.
The first encounter between Ohtani and Skenes took place earlier this year in early June at PNC Park. It was a memorable showdown where Skenes initially took the upper hand by striking out Ohtani in their first face-off. However, Ohtani responded in spectacular fashion by launching a 415-foot home run later in the game, followed by a solid single, which was his hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at an exit velocity of 107.6 mph.
Despite his current sidelined status as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani has been a formidable presence in the lineup. He is striving to become the first full-time designated hitter to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Impressive stats back his bid, as he has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking 98 mph or harder this season, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Additionally, nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95-mph exit velocity. Nevertheless, facing fast pitches has not been without its challenges; Ohtani records a 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder, which is above the league average of 24.7%.
On the mound, Paul Skenes has been making waves with his average four-seam fastball velocity clocking at 98.9 mph, placing him fourth in the majors in this category. The only pitchers ahead of him are Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is on an ambitious quest this season, aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game, with sights set on clinching both the Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Awards. If he succeeds, he will join Fernando Valenzuela as the only player to have accomplished this rare feat in the same year.
Reflecting on their first meeting, Skenes had this to say: "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." His comments resonate with mutual respect and acknowledgment of Ohtani's undeniable skill.
As for the Dodgers, they currently hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West, boasting a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. On the other hand, the Pirates are in a more precarious position, being 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot. A recent five-game losing streak has put a strain on their postseason hopes, making tonight's game critical for their survival.
This game also holds significance as it will be the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they face off in the playoffs. Baseball fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next scheduled Pirates-Dodgers series. Enthusiasts and analysts alike are eager to see if Skenes can uphold his early success or if Ohtani's hitting prowess will once again take center stage.
Both teams are bracing for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of their rivalry, with the stakes high for both individual glory and team success. Will Ohtani achieve yet another remarkable milestone in his storied career, or will Skenes further cement his place as one of the brightest young talents in the game? Tonight's game is set to deliver the answers.