Players To Watch
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Dodgers vs. Pirates: Shohei Ohtani's Pitching Could Tip the Balance in LA

Key Players to Watch


As the Los Angeles Dodgers prepare to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium, all eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' designated hitter and pitcher. In recent games, Ohtani has been a standout performer for Los Angeles. His pitching prowess was particularly evident in the game against the Texas Rangers, where he maintained an impressive ERA of 0.0 with a WHIP of 0.0 over his innings pitched, contributing significantly to a Dodgers victory.


Aug 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Bailey Falter (26) throws during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

In addition to Ohtani, Mookie Betts has also been a consistent force for the Dodgers. As a shortstop, Betts showcased his fielding skills with a perfect fielding percentage across multiple games. Offensively, he achieved a batting average of .600 against the Chicago Cubs on April 23rd, making him a crucial player in both defense and attack.


For the Pirates, Bryan Reynolds stands out as their key player. The right fielder demonstrated his hitting capabilities with an average of .600 and an OPS of 1.267 in one of their recent matchups against the Angels. His ability to get on base and drive in runs makes him an essential part of Pittsburgh's offensive strategy.


Aug 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a triple during the sixth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Pitching Matchups


The upcoming game will likely see some intriguing pitching matchups that could determine its outcome. Tyler Glasnow is expected to take the mound for the Dodgers after delivering solid performances with an ERA of 0.0 in his last appearance against Texas Rangers.


On the Pirates' side, Andrew Heaney has shown potential as a starting pitcher with an ERA of 0.0 and WHIP of 0.1667 during their game against the Angels on April 24th.


Aug 11, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (22) hits a game tying 2-run home run during the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Both teams have strong bullpens that can make or break their chances late in games. For instance, David Bednar from Pittsburgh has been effective with an ERA of 0.0 and K9 rate of 18 across his appearances.


As fans anticipate this clash between two competitive teams, they can expect thrilling performances from these top players who have consistently delivered outstanding stats recently.


Don't miss this exciting matchup scheduled for April 25th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles at 10:10 PM ET, available on SportsNet LA for those watching from home or afar.


Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts and join us as we watch these talented athletes battle it out on the diamond!

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