The Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates are set to reignite their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET. The matchup showcases a highly anticipated duel between Los Angeles’ Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rising star, rookie ace Paul Skenes.
This evening’s game marks the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes. Their first encounter earlier this season at PNC Park in early June was nothing short of electrifying.
Skenes vs. Ohtani: A Rivalry in the Making
In that initial face-off, Skenes made a statement by striking out Ohtani. However, Ohtani swiftly responded, hitting a mammoth 415-foot home run in their next confrontation. The drama didn't stop there: in their final at-bat of the night, Ohtani smashed a single, which was noteworthy for being his hardest-hit ball of the game at an impressive 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Despite being sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani has continued to impress as a hitter. His focus now is on becoming the first full-time designated hitter to win the coveted Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His performance against high-velocity pitches this season has been exceptional, going 9 for 18 against pitches 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Notably, 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, although his 40% whiff rate on such pitches is higher than the league average of 24.7%.
Skenes' Meteoric Rise
On the other side, Paul Skenes has also been making headlines. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, Skenes ranks fourth in the majors, trailing only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. The rookie is not just looking to dominate on the mound but is also eyeing a historic accomplishment. Skenes aims to become the first player to start an All-Star Game in their draft year and capture both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season—a feat last achieved by Fernando Valenzuela.
Reflecting on his previous encounter 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 Eyeing the Playoffs, Pirates Battling for Survival
While individual performances are a key storyline, team dynamics are equally compelling. 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 behind the final wild-card spot and are grappling with a five-game losing streak that has dimmed their postseason aspirations.
Tonight's showdown is not just another game; it’s a crucial junction for both teams. For the Pirates, it represents a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive. For the Dodgers, it’s an opportunity to solidify their position atop the division and prepare for what looks to be a promising playoff run.
Future Encounters
This game will be the final meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates this season, unless fate brings them together in the playoffs. Fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next scheduled series between these two teams, adding another layer of significance to tonight’s matchup.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding the game are palpable. With two of baseball’s most intriguing figures—Shohei Ohtani and Paul Skenes—going head-to-head, spectators are in for a treat. Whether it’s Ohtani’s dazzling hitting prowess or Skenes’ blistering fastballs, tonight’s game promises to be an enthralling chapter in what might well become one of baseball's most compelling rivalries.