Dominant Skenes Flirts with History as Pirates Edge Brewers
In a captivating display of pitching prowess, Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes delivered one of his most commanding performances to date, holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven innings. Making his 11th start of the season, Skenes struck out 11 batters and allowed just one walk before being pulled after 99 pitches. The Pirates' bullpen took over and ultimately preserved a razor-thin 1-0 victory.
Manager Derek Shelton's decision to manage Skenes' pitch count has been a recurring topic, and this game was no exception. Despite the near-historic outing, Shelton chose to lift Skenes to safeguard the promising young pitcher's arm. "I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes commented. "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."
Skenes joined elite company with this latest gem. He became only the second pitcher in American League or 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 extraordinary feat is none other than the legendary Nolan Ryan, cementing Skenes' burgeoning reputation as a dominant force on the mound.
Following Skenes' exit, Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning but immediately surrendered a hit, bringing a disappointing end to the combined no-hit bid. Nevertheless, Holderman, alongside Aroldis Chapman and the rest of the Pirates' bullpen, managed to lock down the narrow lead, ensuring the victory over the Brewers.
This win, driven by Skenes' brilliance, keeps the Pirates in the thick of the National League wild-card race. With a current record of 45-48, the team is eyeing a playoff push—a goal that increasingly seems within reach given their recent performances.
Skenes has been nothing short of spectacular since making his MLB debut in mid-May. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a remarkable 2.12 ERA and held a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Following his latest outing, his ERA dipped even further to a sterling 1.90, reinforcing his status as a foundational cornerstone for the Pirates' pitching staff.
Derek Shelton's handling of Skenes' workload remains a significant storyline for the Pirates. The management's careful approach is likely aimed at maximizing Skenes' long-term potential while navigating the immediate challenges of a playoff race. The balance between driving the rookie to reach new heights and safeguarding his future is a delicate one, and thus far, both Skenes and Shelton appear to be navigating it successfully.
The palpable optimism surrounding the Pirates is only amplified by Skenes' meteoric rise. His first 11 starts have been nothing short of riveting, galvanizing a fanbase hungry for postseason baseball. The collective effort, punctuated by Skenes' memorable outings and a resilient bullpen, lends a sense of belief and excitement to this Pirates squad.
As the Pirates continue their march towards a potential playoff berth, the significance of Skenes' contributions cannot be overstated. His exceptional prowess on the mound, combined with a strategic approach to managing his workload, could very well be the key to the Pirates' postseason aspirations. Whether or not they achieve that goal, one thing is clear: Paul Skenes has arrived, and he is here to stay.