Shohei Ohtani Wanted to Hit Paul Skenes for ‘One More Homerun’ in Dodgers’ Loss to Pirates: “Game Would Have Been a Lot Different”

Shohei Ohtani vs Paul Skenes is a matchup that can potentially break MLB’s all-time highest viewership with fans cheering from both ends. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates game on Wednesday in the PNC Park lived up to the hype. It was possibly the best and most enticing one-on-one contest between Shohei Ohtani, arguably the best baseball player, and Paul Skenes, the next big thing.

In a match that saw superstars struggling, the rise of new players, and thrilling innings, the Los Angeles Dodgers lost. What exactly happened in the high-octane contest, especially in the face-off between Ohtani and Skenes?

A glance at Shohei Ohtani vs. Paul Skenes clash

Punching out Shohei Ohtani in the first inning on three fiery balls, Skenes won the initial round. What about the speed of those pitches? 101.3,100.1 and 100.8 mph. On the first and the third ball, Ohtani whiffed while the second ball was foul-tipped, making Ohtani leave the field in embarrassment. 

Then came the second round in the third innings. By this time, Skene’s brilliance and teammate’s gameplay already took a 7-0 lead against James Paxton. However, Shohei Ohtani came into action and scored his 15th home run of the season. It was a two-run shot on a fastball, sending the ball out of the playing field. 

Ohtani once again took control of the third round, where he tumbled. He scored a single to the right field on a ‘1-1 fastball’. The hit was at 107 mph, indicating Ohtani made good contact. But, in the end, he failed to score a home run. By the end of the match, the Pirates defeated the Dodgers by a score of 10- 6, a rare stat no one could have imagined. 

Shohei Ohtani entered the Pirates match with an impressive record. Boasting a ‘.321/.390/.590 with 14 home runs, 14 stolen bases, and 38 RBI in 59 games’ is exceptional. His contributions have always been top-notch for the Dodgers, making the team a successful franchise. 

On the other hand, learning from his idol Ohtani, Paul Skenes is on a learning curve. He has a compiled score of 2.45 ERA and 6.0 strikeouts in his first four league starts. In the game against the Dodgers, he stopped them to two runs on three shots and a walk, striking six out of sixteen batters. 

Post-match bites from Ohtani & Skenes 

A lot happened on the field, but Ohtani and Skenes had some interesting views at the end of the match.” Our overall team approach has been a lot better recently. I think the game would have been a lot different if I was able to hit one more homer in my fifth at-bat.” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton. The 29-year-old didn’t seem happy with his performance.

From Skene’s end, his first choice of words showed his love and admiration for Ohtani. Talking with MLB’s Alex Stumpf, he said,” I grew up watching him. As a two-way guy, that was what I was trying to be before I got drafted. He was an inspiration in a lot of ways.”

Adding further, Skenes said, “Yeah, I like to call that ‘big on big. Obviously, [I] beat him a couple of times earlier. And I think that was the right pitch to throw there. He’s just a pretty darn good player. So stuff like that’s gonna happen. And frankly, that’s why we play the game, is for matchups like that. So [I’m] not happy to give it up, but it’s part of the game.”

The Dodgers’ decimation will give immense confidence to the Pirates as a team and Skenes individually. The Dodgers and Pirates will end their series on Thursday with matchups every fan loves to witness. Next up both teams will face off from August 9 to 11, and this time around, the tables might turn. Ohtani might fulfill his desire to score the home run he missed.