Paul Skenes Shines as Pirates Edge Brewers in Tight Contest
Paul Skenes Shines as Pirates Edge Brewers in Tight Contest
The Pittsburgh Pirates' promising right-hander, Paul Skenes, delivered a stellar performance in his 11th start of the season, showcasing the talent that has made him a standout in his debut year. Skenes held the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven innings, amassing an impressive 11 strikeouts while allowing only one walk.
Despite his dominance, Skenes was lifted after throwing 99 pitches. Manager Derek Shelton’s careful management of Skenes’ pitch count has been a recurring topic, as he aims to balance the young star’s development with the team’s playoff aspirations. Skenes has surpassed the 100-pitch mark in only four of his 11 starts this season, underscoring the cautious approach.
Seventh Inning Drama
After Skenes left the game, Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning. Unfortunately, Holderman surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced, ending the combined no-hit bid. Nevertheless, the Pirates' bullpen, bolstered by the addition of Aroldis Chapman, preserved a tight 1-0 lead, ultimately sealing a victory against the Brewers.
Reflecting on being pulled from the game, Skenes remarked, "I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me. We have Holderman and Chapman at the back end of our bullpen, so I think those are probably, I think, two of the best guys in the league so I have a ton of trust in them to finish it."
Historic Feat
With his latest outing, Skenes became just the second pitcher in American League/National League history to record multiple starts of six or more innings without allowing a hit while striking out at least 11 batters. The only other pitcher to accomplish this feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan. This performance lowered Skenes’ ERA to an impressive 1.90.
Skenes, who made his MLB debut in mid-May, has had an extraordinary start to his career. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a 2.12 ERA with a remarkable 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. These stats highlight his control and effectiveness on the mound, making him a key player in the Pirates' roster.
Playoff Aspirations
The Pirates’ current record stands at 45-48, placing them in the thick of the National League wild-card race. Manager Derek Shelton’s decision-making regarding Skenes’ workload management is critical as the team eyes a playoff berth. The Pirates' optimistic playoff push hinges not only on emerging talents like Skenes but also on the effectiveness of their bullpen, which has shown resilience and strength in tight games.
Skenes’ first 11 starts have set a high bar, instilling belief and optimism within the team. "We have Holderman and Chapman at the back end of our bullpen, so I think those are probably, I think, two of the best guys in the league so I have a ton of trust in them to finish it," Skenes reiterated, highlighting the faith in their relief pitchers.
As the season progresses, the Pirates will continue to rely on Skenes’ exceptional abilities and Shelton’s strategic decisions to navigate the challenging road to the playoffs. With Skenes anchoring the rotation and the bullpen providing crucial support, the Pirates’ fans have much to be hopeful about.
