The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are ready to continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET, promising an exciting matchup between some of the league’s standout pitchers. On the mound for Los Angeles is Shohei Ohtani, while Pittsburgh will rely on their rookie ace, Paul Skenes.
A Tale of Two Aces
This game marks a momentous occasion as it's only the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes. Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park was a spectacle for the ages. Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani in their initial showdown, a feat that underscored his burgeoning reputation.
However, Ohtani quickly demonstrated why he’s one of the most feared hitters in the league. In their subsequent face-off, he launched a 415-foot home run. Ohtani wasn't done for the night, delivering a solid single in their final at-bat. That single, clocking in at 107.6 mph exit velocity, was the hardest-hit ball of the evening for Ohtani.
Ohtani's Drive for MVP
Currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani remains a powerhouse at the plate. He is on a historic quest to become the first full-time designated hitter to clinch the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Ohtani’s performance against high-velocity pitches has been nothing short of exceptional. This season, he has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocked at 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph.
Nearly 82% of Ohtani’s balls in play boast an exit velocity exceeding 95 mph. Despite his 40% whiff rate on pitches at 98 mph or harder being above the league average of 24.7%, his sheer power and consistency at the plate remain unparalleled.
Skenes' Meteoric Rise
On the other side, Paul Skenes is rapidly earning his stripes in Major League Baseball (MLB). With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, he ranks fourth in the majors, trailing only behind Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game, a testament to his remarkable talent and rapid ascent.
Skenes is not just eyeing an All-Star nod; he has ambitions to secure both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year—a feat only accomplished by the legendary Fernando Valenzuela. Speaking about his previous encounters with Ohtani, 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.”
Dodgers vs. Pirates: Playoff Implications
The Dodgers, leading the National League West by 2 1/2 games, have a 98.4% chance of making the playoffs. On the other hand, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, struggling to keep their postseason dreams alive amid a five-game losing streak. This game will be the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless destiny pits them against each other in the playoffs. Their next series is scheduled for April 25-27, 2025.
As the Dodgers aim to solidify their playoff position and the Pirates fight to keep their hopes alive, tonight's game promises high stakes and intense competition. With Ohtani and Skenes both aiming to etch their names in the history books, fans can expect nothing short of a riveting clash under the Friday night lights.