The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates, two teams with contrasting trajectories this season, are set to resume their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET. This game will see Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie sensation Paul Skenes face off, marking only the second career meeting between these two extraordinary talents.
A Clash of Titans
Their first encounter took place in early June at PNC Park. In that game, Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani in their initial showdown, a significant achievement considering Ohtani’s prowess at the plate. However, Ohtani swiftly retaliated by launching a 415-foot home run in their next meeting. Not stopping there, Ohtani also hit a solid single in their final at-bat that evening, the hardest-hit ball of the night with an exit velocity of 107.6 mph.
Despite his current status as a full-time designated hitter while recovering as a pitcher, Ohtani continues to showcase his exceptional skills. This season, he has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking 98 mph or faster, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Notably, nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, a testament to his extraordinary hitting power. However, his 40% whiff rate on such pitches is above the league average of 24.7%, adding an element of uncertainty that pitchers like Skenes hope to exploit.
Skenes' Meteoric Rise
Paul Skenes has been a revelation for the Pirates, boasting an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, placing him fourth in the majors. The only pitchers ahead of him in this category are Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes' formidable pitching arsenal is a key asset for a Pirates team struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive, currently sitting 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot after a five-game losing streak.
Skenes has set lofty goals for himself, aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game while also contending for both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season. The only player to have achieved the latter feat is Fernando Valenzuela, adding to the high stakes and historical significance of Skenes’ ambitions.
Dodgers in Command
On the other side, the Dodgers hold a comfortable 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West and have an impressive 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. This game against the Pirates is set to be their last meeting this year unless they meet again in the postseason. The next scheduled series between the two teams won’t occur until April 25-27, 2025.
Reflecting on his previous encounters with Ohtani, Skenes said, "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." It's clear that mutual respect exists between the rookie and the seasoned star, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming showdown.
As the Dodgers and Pirates prepare to face each other tonight, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with high-velocity pitches, powerful hits, and competitive spirit. Both teams have much at stake—whether it’s solidifying a playoff berth or keeping postseason hopes alive—making this a must-watch game for baseball enthusiasts.