As the Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates gear up to clash tonight at 9 p.m. ET, all eyes will be on the intriguing matchup between Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes. This game marks only the second career meeting between Ohtani, the Angels' two-way superstar, and Skenes, the Pirates' promising rookie ace.
Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park offered a taste of the excitement that baseball fans can expect tonight. During that game, Skenes struck out Ohtani in their initial showdown, but Ohtani soon showed his prowess by hitting a massive 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off. Ohtani capped the night with a solid single, which was his hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Skenes acknowledged the challenge of facing a player of Ohtani’s caliber. "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," shared Skenes.
Ohtani’s Struggles and Triumphs
Currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani continues to make significant contributions as a designated hitter. This season, he's hitting exceptionally well, especially against pitches of 98 mph or harder, going 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. However, his 40% whiff rate on these pitches is notable, higher than the league average of 24.7%
Despite these challenges, Ohtani is making a strong case for the MVP Award. If successful, he will become the first full-time designated hitter to win this prestigious honor. His versatility and consistent performance continue to amaze fans and analysts alike, adding another layer of excitement to tonight’s game.
Paul Skenes: A Rising Star
On the other side of the mound, Paul Skenes is having an impressive rookie season. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, he ranks fourth in the majors, trailing only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. His remarkable speed and control have made him a formidable presence on the mound.
Skenes has set his sights on achieving milestones that could cement his place in baseball history. He aims to become the first player drafted to start an All-Star Game and is also eyeing the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards. The only player to have ever won both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season is Fernando Valenzuela, a fact that underscores the difficulty of Skenes' aspirations.
Playoff Implications
Tonight’s game holds significant playoff implications for both teams. The Dodgers lead the National League West by 2 1/2 games and have a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. In contrast, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot and are struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak.
This matchup is their last meeting this year unless the two teams face off in the playoffs. Fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next scheduled Pirates-Dodgers series.
The stakes are undeniably high for both teams as they head into tonight’s game. With Ohtani's batting prowess and Skenes' pitching skills, the clash promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle. As the players prepare to take the field, the anticipation is palpable, setting the stage for what could be a memorable night of baseball.