Dodgers and Pirates Continue Series with Marquee Pitching Matchup
The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET, featuring a highly anticipated pitching duel. Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani will face off against the Pirates' rookie ace, Paul Skenes, marking only their second career meeting.
Their first encounter, held in early June at PNC Park, saw the young Skenes gaining an initial edge by striking out the seasoned Ohtani. However, Ohtani, known for his versatility and power, responded impressively in their subsequent face-offs. He launched a towering 415-foot home run and later hit a blistering single, which clocked in as his hardest-hit ball of the evening at 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Despite his prowess on the mound, Ohtani is currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery. Nonetheless, he continues to make waves as a full-time designated hitter. With aspirations of becoming the first designated hitter to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, Ohtani has shown extraordinary form this season. He has managed to go 9 for 18 against pitches clocking in at 98 mph or harder, boasting an impressive average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, underscoring his ability to make hard contact consistently.
On the other side of tonight's matchup, Paul Skenes has been making headlines as a formidable young talent. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, he ranks fourth in the majors, trailing only behind Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is on a remarkable journey, aiming to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game. Moreover, he has his sights set on winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, a feat only accomplished by Fernando Valenzuela.
Reflecting on his first 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." His comment highlights the mutual respect and competitive spirit between two players at different stages of their careers.
As the Dodgers and Pirates face off, team dynamics also play a critical role. The Dodgers hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West, with a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs. Their consistent performance has solidified their standing as serious contenders. In contrast, the Pirates are 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot. Struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak, tonight's game is pivotal for the Pirates.
This game will mark the last meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates for this season unless they cross paths in the playoffs. Fans will have to wait until April 25-27, 2025, for the next scheduled Pirates-Dodgers series. With both teams bringing their A-game, this matchup promises to be a thrilling chapter in their ongoing rivalry.
For Skenes, the matchup offers another chance to prove his mettle against one of the game's brightest stars. For Ohtani, it’s an opportunity to continue his impressive hitting streak and bolster his MVP campaign. As the clock ticks towards the first pitch, all eyes will be on these two exceptional players showcasing their skills on the diamond.