The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to continue their weekend series tonight at 9 p.m. ET, in a matchup that promises to be a captivating showdown. The game will feature Los Angeles' dual-threat superstar Shohei Ohtani and Pittsburgh's burgeoning rookie ace Paul Skenes.
Ohtani vs. Skenes: The Rematch
Tonight's game will mark only the second career meeting between Ohtani and Skenes, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting season. Their first encounter took place in early June at PNC Park, where Skenes initially had the upper hand, striking out Ohtani in their first showdown. "I like to call that big on big because I obviously beat him a couple of times earlier,” Skenes remarked. “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."
However, Ohtani quickly responded, hitting a 415-foot home run in their subsequent face-off and later adding a solid single in their final at-bat that night. The single was Ohtani's hardest-hit ball of the evening, clocking in at a staggering 107.6 mph exit velocity.
Ohtani's Stellar Season
Currently sidelined as a pitcher due to recovery, Ohtani is striving to become the first full-time designated hitter to win a Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. His performance this season speaks volumes. Ohtani has gone 9 for 18 against pitches of 98 mph or harder, with an average exit velocity on these pitches clocking in at 99.8 mph. Nearly 82% of Ohtani's balls in play exceed a 95 mph exit velocity, showcasing his incredible power and precision at the plate. However, his 40% whiff rate on pitches of 98 mph or harder is notably above the league average of 24.7% — a potential vulnerability that pitchers will look to exploit.
Skenes’ Fastball Dominance
On the other side of the mound, Paul Skenes brings his own set of impressive stats. His average four-seam fastball velocity is an eye-popping 98.9 mph, ranking him fourth in the majors. Only Mason Miller, Jhoan Duran, and Ryan Helsley boast faster average fastball velocities. Skenes, a standout rookie, is not just turning heads with his speed but is also aiming to make history by becoming the first player drafted to start the All-Star Game and possibly securing both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards in the same year — a feat only matched by Fernando Valenzuela.
High Stakes for Both Teams
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 come into tonight’s game with firm control over their postseason destiny. For the Dodgers, every game is an opportunity to solidify their dominance and ensure a strong finish to the season.
The Pirates, on the other hand, find themselves 4 1/2 games back from the final wild-card spot, struggling to keep their postseason hopes alive after a five-game losing streak. This game against the Dodgers could represent a turning point — or a further slide into postseason obscurity. If the Pirates hope to cling to their fading aspirations, they will need a standout performance from Skenes and the team as a whole.
Adding to the drama, this game will be the last meeting between these two teams this year unless they meet in the playoffs. The next Pirates-Dodgers series is not scheduled until April 25-27, 2025, making tonight a crucial, and potentially final, saga in their 2023 story.
All eyes will be on the mound, the batter's box, and the outfield tonight, as two teams with very different seasons on the line clash in what promises to be a memorable showdown. Whether it's Skenes' blistering fastballs or Ohtani's powerful swings, fans are in for a treat as they witness what baseball is all about: talent, tension, and triumph.