Tonight's matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates promises to be a thrilling encounter as they continue their weekend series at 9 p.m. ET. All eyes will be on the duel between Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie phenom Paul Skenes.
This game marks only the second career meeting between these two exceptional talents. The first encounter occurred in early June at PNC Park, where the stakes and excitement were already high. Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani in their initial showdown, showcasing the raw talent that has quickly made him a standout in the league. However, Ohtani soon retaliated, blasting a 415-foot home run in their next face-off and later hitting a solid single clocked at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity, the hardest-hit ball of the evening.
Ohtani's Quest for MVP
Ohtani, currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, continues to excel as a designated hitter, making a strong case to become the first full-time DH to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His stats this season are nothing short of phenomenal. Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches of 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity on these pitches at a remarkable 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, demonstrating his fierce hitting capabilities.
However, Ohtani's 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder is a point of concern, as it stands above the league average of 24.7%. This statistic could play a crucial role in tonight's game, considering Paul Skenes' average four-seam fastball velocity is 98.9 mph, ranking him fourth in the majors in this category, just behind Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley.
Skenes' Rookie Ambitions
Paul Skenes is not just another rookie. He is on a mission to rewrite history, aiming to become the first player drafted to start an All-Star Game and to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year. The last and only player to have achieved this remarkable feat was Fernando Valenzuela.
Reflecting on his initial showdown 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."
Skenes' confidence and performance will be pivotal as the Pirates fight to keep their postseason hopes alive. Currently, they find themselves 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, struggling after a five-game losing streak that has put them in a precarious position.
Dodgers' Playoff Prospects
In contrast, the Dodgers are comfortably situated with a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West and a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their success this season has been underpinned by consistent team performance and key individual contributions, including those from Ohtani.
Tonight's game, the last scheduled meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they meet in the playoffs, is more than just an end-of-series clash. It's a defining moment for both teams as each side looks to solidify their position and aspirations.
The anticipation surrounding the Ohtani-Skenes showdown adds an extra layer of excitement, with fans eager to see how the narrative unfolds in their second encounter. Will Ohtani continue his dominance, or will Skenes establish his rookie prowess further?
Regardless of the outcome, tonight's game is set to provide a tantalizing glimpse into the future of baseball, showcasing some of the sport's brightest stars on one of its grandest stages. The next Pirates-Dodgers series may be scheduled for April 25-27, 2025, but the memories and implications of tonight's game will resonate well beyond this season.