Paul Skenes Shines in Near No-Hit Performance, Pirates Secure 1-0 Victory
In an impressive display of pitching prowess, Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes showcased his talent by holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven masterful innings on his 11th start of the season. Facing the Brewers' lineup, Skenes recorded 11 strikeouts and issued just one walk, embodying dominance on the mound before his evening ended after 99 pitches.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes remarked, reflecting on manager Derek Shelton's decision to manage his pitch count carefully. "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."
Skenes, a mid-May debutant in Major League Baseball, has quickly become a sensation. Over his first 10 starts, he posted an impressive 2.12 ERA and demonstrated remarkable control, boasting a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. With his latest outing, Skenes saw his ERA dip further to a stellar 1.90, underlining his impact on the team's pitching staff.
Manager Derek Shelton's strategic approach to Skenes' workload has been a topic of conversation among analysts and fans alike. Shelton, conscious of Skenes' pitch count, has allowed Skenes to surpass the 100-pitch threshold in just four of his 11 starts, emphasizing long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
Taking over for Skenes in the eighth inning, Colin Holderman faced an immediate challenge and yielded a hit to the first batter he encountered, ending the combined no-hit bid. Nevertheless, the Pirates' bullpen, featuring the likes of Holderman and Aroldis Chapman, preserved the narrow 1-0 lead, eventually securing the win against the Brewers.
"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," Skenes commented on his early exit.
The Pirates' record now stands at 45-48, positioning them within striking distance in the National League wild-card race. With sights set firmly on a playoff berth, the team continues to draw optimism and belief from performances like Skenes’. The sensational right-hander's first 11 starts have been nothing short of spectacular, making him 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—a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Nolan Ryan.
As the Pirates forge ahead in their quest for postseason contention, Skenes' emergence as a front-line starter offers a beacon of hope. The young pitcher's trust in the bullpen's capabilities to close out tight games exemplifies the collective resolve and confidence within the team.
"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," Skenes reiterated, emphasizing the bullpen’s critical role in preserving victories.
The Pirates' journey towards a playoff berth is buoyed by Skenes' remarkable contributions. With each outing, he strengthens his case as one of the most promising pitchers in the league, lighting up the path for the Pirates' postseason aspirations.