Skenes Dazzles in Near No-Hit Outing as Pirates Edge Brewers 1-0
Pittsburgh Pirates' emerging right-hander Paul Skenes delivered another masterful performance in his 11th start of the season, holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven innings. Skenes' dominant outing showcased his electric stuff as he recorded 11 strikeouts while allowing just one walk. Despite being lifted after throwing 99 pitches, his teammates in the bullpen ensured the Pirates secured a tight 1-0 victory over their divisional rivals.
The highly anticipated matchup saw Skenes flirt with history once again. Having made his MLB debut in mid-May, Skenes has quickly established himself as one of the most formidable young pitchers in the league. Over his first ten starts, he posted a stellar 2.12 ERA, a figure that impressively dipped to 1.90 after his latest outing. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.50 speaks volumes about his command and consistency.
Manager Derek Shelton's strategic handling of Skenes' pitch count has been a topic of conversation among fans and analysts. Throughout his young career, Skenes has surpassed the 100-pitch threshold in just four of his 11 starts, indicating a cautious approach to his workload. “I wasn’t going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me,” Skenes remarked after the 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.”
As Skenes exited after seven hitless innings, Colin Holderman took over in the eighth. Holderman, unfortunately, surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced, ending the combined no-hit bid. Nonetheless, the Pirates' bullpen, bolstered by Aroldis Chapman, preserved the slender lead, ensuring a crucial win in their quest for a playoff spot. With the victory, the Pirates improved to a 45-48 record and remain firmly in the National League wild-card race, harboring aspirations of postseason baseball.
Skenes' performance not only added another chapter to his remarkable rookie season but also placed him in elite company. He became 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 none other than the legendary Nolan Ryan.
The decision to pull Skenes was undoubtedly tough for Shelton, given the circumstances. However, the manager's decision-making has been pivotal in managing the workload of his burgeoning star. “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, underscoring his confidence in the bullpen's ability to close out tight games.
As the Pirates push towards a potential playoff berth, the optimism and belief within the team are palpable. Skenes' first 11 starts have been nothing short of impressive, and his latest display against the Brewers only adds to the excitement surrounding his future. For Pittsburgh, the combination of effective management and exceptional individual performances like Skenes' provides a solid foundation as they navigate the remainder of the season.
The Pirates' formula for success rests heavily on their emerging ace and a bullpen poised to lock down close games. With Skenes at the forefront, Pittsburgh’s playoff push carries an air of optimism and determination. It's clear that both the team and its fans have much to look forward to as the season progresses.