Dodgers-Pirates Matchup Promises Electrifying Pitching Duel
As the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to continue their weekend series, tonight's 9 p.m. ET game will feature an electrifying pitching matchup. Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers will face off against the Pirates' rookie ace Paul Skenes. This encounter marks only the second career meeting between these two standout pitchers, making it a highly anticipated rematch.
In their first duel, which took place in early June at PNC Park, Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani in their initial showdown. However, Ohtani quickly rebounded by hitting a 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off. Later that same night, Ohtani further demonstrated his prowess by driving a solid single, which was clocked at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity, marking this as his hardest-hit ball of the evening.
Although Ohtani is currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, he continues to have a significant impact as a designated hitter. Ohtani is on a quest to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. With statistics like going 9 for 18 against pitches clocked at 98 mph or harder this season, the Japanese sensation is proving his exceptional hitting ability. His average exit velocity on such pitches stands at 99.8 mph, with nearly 82% of his balls in play exceeding a 95 mph exit velocity. However, it’s worth noting Ohtani’s 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder, which is above the league average of 24.7%.
On the other side of the mound, Paul Skenes has showcased some incredible pitching statistics, rapidly making a name for himself in the majors. His average four-seam fastball velocity is 98.9 mph, ranking him fourth in the league. Only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley have faster average velocities. Skenes is attempting to make history by becoming the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game. Additionally, he’s aiming to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year, a feat only accomplished by Fernando Valenzuela.
The stakes are high for both teams. The Dodgers hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West and boast a 98.4% chance of making it to the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive amid a five-game losing streak. This game will be the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this year unless they cross paths in the playoffs. The next series between these teams is slated for April 25-27, 2025.
Reflecting on their past encounters, Skenes observed, "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." This apt reflection underscores the high level of competition and skill on display whenever these two take the field.
With so much at stake and the undeniable talents of Ohtani and Skenes, tonight’s game promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess and strategic gameplay. Fans of both teams, and baseball enthusiasts around the world, will surely be watching closely as these two titans of the sport continue their captivating rivalry.