Paul Skenes Dominates Yet Again as Pirates Edge Brewers
In a riveting display of pitching prowess, Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes shone brightly during his 11th start of the season, holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven impressive innings. Skenes, showcasing his formidable arsenal, racked up 11 strikeouts while issuing just one walk, a performance that electrified the PNC Park crowd and further cemented his role as an emerging star.
Manager Derek Shelton, keenly managing Skenes' pitch count, elected to lift the ace after he had thrown 99 pitches. This decision, while potentially contentious, was a calculated move aimed at preserving Skenes’ arm for the long haul. Skenes has only surpassed the 100-pitch mark in four of his 11 starts, a testament to the careful workload management by Shelton.
“I wasn't going to be surprised either way if he sent me out or pulled me,” Skenes said post-game. “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. Obviously, in a 1-0 game you want to stay in there, you want to finish it, but the volume's getting up there a little bit so I get it.”
Indeed, Colin Holderman, who took over in the eighth inning, saw his outing start on a less fortuitous note, surrendering a hit to the first batter he faced, thereby ending the combined no-hit bid. Despite this hiccup, the Pirates' bullpen, featuring stalwart Aroldis Chapman, locked down a tense 1-0 victory over the Brewers, preserving Skenes’ stellar work on the mound.
This remarkable performance etched another milestone in Skenes’ burgeoning career. 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 made his highly anticipated MLB debut in mid-May, and he has not disappointed. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a commendable 2.12 ERA, coupled with a notable 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His latest masterclass saw his ERA dip further to an impressive 1.90, underlining his growing dominance on the mound.
The Pirates, currently holding a 45-48 record, remain staunch competitors in the National League wild-card race. Shelton’s adept management of Skenes’ workload and the rest of the pitching staff will be pivotal as they strive for a coveted playoff berth.
“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,” repeated Skenes, reflecting the collective faith within the Pirates' camp.
The optimism and belief within the clubhouse are palpable, fueled by Skenes’ impressive run and the support from a reliable bullpen. As they journey deeper into the season, the Pirates’ playoff push is buoyed by a palpable sense of possibility and determination.
Paul Skenes has undoubtedly become a beacon of hope and a key player for the Pirates. As the season progresses, the team's ambitions will likely hinge upon the continued excellence of their emerging star and the strategic decisions made by Derek Shelton and his staff.
The Pirates, riding on the wave of Skenes’ stellar start, look forward to more victories and, potentially, a thrilling postseason appearance.