Masterful Performance by Paul Skenes Highlights Pirates’ Victory
Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes delivered yet another stellar performance as he made his 11th start of the season. Facing the Milwaukee Brewers, Skenes held them hitless through seven innings, showcasing his dominance on the mound. With 11 strikeouts and only one walk, Skenes’ outing was nothing short of exceptional.
Despite having thrown just 99 pitches, Manager Derek Shelton decided to lift Skenes, prioritizing long-term strategy over immediate glory. This cautious approach to managing Skenes’ pitch count appears consistent, as the young star has surpassed the 100-pitch threshold in only four of his 11 starts this season.
Expressing his understanding of the decision, Skenes said, "I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me. We have Holderman and (Aroldis) 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."
Strong Bullpen Performance
Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning, but the Brewers quickly ended the combined no-hit bid as Holderman surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced. Nevertheless, the Pirates' bullpen, including a key contribution from Aroldis Chapman, preserved the 1-0 lead to seal the victory against the Brewers.
Reflecting on the depth of the bullpen, Skenes noted, "We have Holderman and (Aroldis) 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 Achievements
With this outing, Skenes etched his name into the history books. He became only 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 rare feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan.
Skenes has been a revelation since making his MLB debut in mid-May. Prior to this game, he posted a remarkable 2.12 ERA over his first 10 starts, with an impressive 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His latest performance lowered his ERA even further, to a stunning 1.90.
Playoff Push with Optimism
The win brought the Pirates’ record to 45-48, keeping them firmly in the National League wild-card race. The team is aiming for a playoff berth, and Skenes’ performances have been a significant factor in their pursuit. Manager Derek Shelton's decision-making regarding Skenes’ workload has been a focal point of discussions, given the high stakes and the erratic nature of baseball seasons.
The Pirates' optimism and belief in their playoff push remains high. Skenes’ impressive first 11 starts have provided a boost, and the synergy between stellar starting pitching and a reliable bullpen reinforces their competitive edge.