The highly anticipated showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates resumes tonight at 9 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on the electrifying match-up between Los Angeles' Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's rookie phenomenon, Paul Skenes.
A Rivalry in the Making
This meeting will mark only the second career face-off between Ohtani and Skenes, a clash that already has the baseball world buzzing. Their first encounter in early June at PNC Park was nothing short of dramatic. In their initial showdown, Skenes managed to strike out Ohtani, showcasing his formidable talents. However, Ohtani, never one to be easily subdued, retaliated later with a 415-foot home run and a blistering single that clocked an exit velocity of 107.6 mph, his hardest-hit ball of the evening. This dynamic seesaw of triumph and challenge sets the stage perfectly for tonight's game.
Ohtani's Quest for Greatness
Currently sidelined from pitching duties as he recovers, Ohtani remains a powerhouse at the plate. He is on a historic quest to become the first full-time designated hitter to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His remarkable performance this season speaks volumes about his capability, particularly against high-velocity pitches. Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches clocking in at 98 mph or harder, with an impressive average exit velocity of 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of his balls in play exceed the 95 mph mark, underscoring his extraordinary bat speed and power. Despite a 40% whiff rate on those high-velocity pitches, which is noticeably above the league average of 24.7%, Ohtani's impact on the game is undeniable.
Skenes' Meteoric Rise
On the flip side, Paul Skenes is quickly becoming a name to remember. With an average four-seam fastball velocity of 98.9 mph, he ranks fourth in the majors, a testament to his raw power and potential. The only pitchers ahead of him in this category are Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley. Skenes is ambitiously striving to become the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game, and he has his sights set on achieving the rare feat of winning both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same season—a milestone only matched by Fernando Valenzuela.
"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," commented Skenes, reflecting on his past encounters with Ohtani. This sentiment captures the competitive yet respectful dynamic between the two athletes.
Playoff Prospects
As the Dodgers hold a 2 1/2-game lead in the National League West with a 98.4% chance of reaching the playoffs, they enter tonight's game with momentum and high expectations. Conversely, the Pirates, 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, are fighting to keep their postseason dreams alive amidst a five-game losing streak. This game, the last scheduled meeting between the Dodgers and Pirates for the season unless they cross paths in the playoffs, holds significant weight for both teams. Victory tonight could either solidify the Dodgers' dominant position or ignite a much-needed resurgence for the Pirates.
As we look forward to this electrifying match-up, the talent and tenacity of both Ohtani and Skenes promise to make this a memorable evening of baseball. The next chapter in their budding rivalry is just a few hours away, and fans around the world will be watching intently, eager to see who will prevail when "big on big" meets again.