MLB’s Loss of Three Consecutive Speed Pitch Games Leads to Dodge MVP Freiman’s Dominance: Darbishu Reflects on His Pride

Dodgers’ Freddie freeman Powers team to victory with Three-Run Homer

Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2025 – In a recent contest, Dodgers standout Freddie Freeman dramatically shifted the momentum with a powerful three-run home run, giving his team a critically important advantage. The pivotal hit came against a skilled opposing pitcher, sparking excitement among fans and offering a turning point in the game.

The Game-Changing At-Bat

The opposing pitcher, Darvish, initially gained an upper hand, securing two outs with a combination of fastballs and deceptive pitches. Though, the tide turned during a critical third pitch. Darvish attempted a fastball,but Freeman capitalized on the prospect,connecting for a soaring three-run home run that ignited the stadium.

Following the game, Darvish reflected on the at-bat, acknowledging Freeman’s skill as a hitter. He admitted to attempting to exploit a perceived weakness in Freeman’s approach, believing his fastball could neutralize the threat. Though, the result proved or else, illustrating the challenges of predicting a hitter’s response.

Pitcher’s Outlook and Strategic Adjustments

Darvish explained his thoght process, stating he expected Freeman to adjust his swing after facing multiple fastballs. He expressed surprise at Freeman’s ability to connect with the pitch, acknowledging that a different approach might have been necessary. This insight highlights the constant chess match between pitcher and hitter at the highest level of baseball.

Interestingly, Darvish also noted that being hit by Shohei Ohtani earlier in the game was less concerning than facing Freeman, emphasizing that home runs or impactful hits pose a greater threat than routine contact. This illustrates a clear hierarchy of offensive dangers for pitchers.

Player	Result	Pitch Type
Freddie Freeman	3-Run Home Run	Fastball
Shohei ohtani	Single	Unkown

Freddie Freeman gets the @Dodgers on the board with a 3-run blast pic.twitter.com/oxeq2dfb80

– mlb August 17, 2025

The Art of the Home Run

Did You Know? The longest home run ever recorded in Major League Baseball was hit by joey Meyer in 1997, traveling an estimated 582 feet. The ability to consistently hit for power remains a coveted skill in baseball, often separating the elite players from the rest.

Pro Tip: Analyzing a hitter’s swing plane and pitch selection can provide valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both pitchers and fans alike.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Game

do you think Darvish will make adjustments in his next outing against Freeman? What other factors could have contributed to Freeman’s success at the plate?

What are your thoughts on Freeman’s performance? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What impact has the decline in high-velocity pitching matchups had on the types of hitters who are now finding success in MLB?

The Shifting Landscape of MLB Pitching in 2025

The 2025 Major League Baseball season has been marked by an unexpected trend: a decline in high-velocity pitching matchups. Over the past three weeks, three scheduled “Speed pitch” games – contests specifically designed to showcase pitchers averaging over 97 mph – were postponed due to injury to key starting pitchers. This ripple effect has dramatically altered the competitive balance, and arguably, paved the way for an unlikely MVP frontrunner: Dodgers frist baseman, Allan Freiman.

This isn’t about a lack of fastball velocity across the league. It’s about the frequency of those high-octane matchups. Teams are increasingly cautious with pitcher workloads, and the recent spate of injuries to power arms has forced managers to rely more heavily on finesse pitchers and strategic batting orders. This shift favors hitters who excel at making contact and working counts – a description that perfectly fits Freiman.

Freiman’s Rise: Exploiting the Pitching Shift

Allan Freiman’s MVP candidacy wasn’t predicted by most baseball analysts at the start of the season. He was a solid player, known for his consistent hitting and strong defensive work at first base. However,the change in pitching dynamics has unlocked a new level of performance.

Here’s how Freiman is capitalizing on the altered landscape:

Increased Plate Discipline: Facing fewer overwhelming fastballs, Freiman is seeing more pitches per at-bat, allowing him to work deeper into counts.

Contact Rate: His contact rate has jumped by 8% since the begining of July,directly correlating with the decline in “Speed Pitch” games.

Opposite Field Hitting: Freiman’s ability to drive the ball to all fields is proving particularly effective against pitchers who rely on movement and location rather than pure power.

Run Production: With runners on base, Freiman’s clutch hitting has become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ offensive success.

Currently, Freiman boasts a .321 batting average, 28 home runs, and 85 RBIs as of August 19th, 2025. These numbers place him firmly in the lead for the National League MVP award.

Darvish’s Viewpoint: Pride in Adaptability

Yu Darvish, the veteran San Diego Padres pitcher, offered a unique perspective on the situation. “It’s frustrating to see guys go down,” Darvish stated in a recent interview. “But baseball is about adapting. If the league is trending towards more strategic pitching, we as hitters need to adjust. Freiman is a perfect example of that. He’s not trying to hit home runs every time; he’s putting the ball in play and making the other team pay.”

Darbish, a pitcher known for his diverse arsenal and command, believes the shift benefits pitchers who prioritize control and movement. “The days of simply throwing hard are numbered. You need to be able to locate pitches, change speeds, and keep hitters off balance. It’s a more cerebral game now.”

The Impact on Pitching Progress

The recent trend is already influencing how teams are scouting and developing pitchers.

Emphasis on Command: Scouts are placing a greater emphasis on a pitcher’s ability to control their pitches, rather than solely focusing on velocity.

Pitch Mix Development: Teams are investing in developing pitchers with a wider range of pitches, including breaking balls, changeups, and sinkers.

Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics are being used to identify pitchers who can effectively utilize movement and deception to generate weak contact.

MLB Team Strategies: The 30 MLB teams (15 in the National League and 15 in the American League) are adjusting their strategies to prioritize pitcher health and longevity.

The Future of MLB Pitching and Hitting

the loss of these “Speed Pitch” games isn’t necessarily a negative development for baseball. It’s a sign of evolution. The league is moving towards a more nuanced and strategic style of play,where pitching isn’t just about throwing hard,and hitting isn’t just about hitting home runs.

the success of Allan Freiman is a testament to this shift. He’s a player who embodies the new