The Chicago Cubs were going for a series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday, and two of the top MVP contenders were part of that battle. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong were both batting in the lead-off position for their respective teams, and they both made sure their presences were felt early in Wednesday’s game. pic.twitter.com/sGPRcPE9up — Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 5, 2026According to Marquee Sports Network, the dueling long balls between Ohtani and Crow-Armstrong were exceedingly rare. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/zlY2neNq9C — Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 5, 2026Coming into Wednesday’s game, Crow-Armstrong and Ohtani were first and second in Major League Baseball in Wins Above Replacement, with PCA putting up a staggering 7.5 in that category. Ohtani, who also has the benefit of earning 3.0 WAR as a pitcher this season, is second with 6.4, though he’s been unable to pitch in recent weeks due to a knee issue.