Pirates' Skenes Flirts with Perfection: Dominates Brewers in a Masterclass Performance
In a dazzling display of pitching prowess, Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes showcased why he is quickly becoming one of the most formidable pitchers in baseball. Making his 11th start of the season, Skenes held the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven stellar innings, notching 11 strikeouts and issuing just one walk.
With the pitch count creeping dangerously close to the 100-pitch threshold, Manager Derek Shelton made the cautious decision to lift Skenes after he had thrown 99 pitches. Skenes, whose performance was nothing short of spectacular, understood the move despite his evident desire to finish the game.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes said. "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, Skenes' trust was well-placed as Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning. However, the Brewers' hopes were briefly rekindled when Holderman surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced, ending the combined no-hit bid. It didn't dampen the Pirates' spirit, as the bullpen, including the formidable Aroldis Chapman, put the clamps down to preserve a 1-0 lead and secure the victory against Milwaukee.
Skenes' outing was not just remarkable for the evening; it was historic. 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, joining the legendary Nolan Ryan.
Since making his MLB debut in mid-May, Skenes has been a revelation for the Pirates. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a 2.12 ERA and a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. After his latest gem, Skenes' ERA dipped even further to a sparkling 1.90. His first 11 starts have left baseball enthusiasts and analysts buzzing about his potential and immediate impact on the mound.
The Pirates' current record stands at 45-48, and they remain very much in the National League wild-card race. Manager Derek Shelton's decision-making, especially his strategic management of Skenes’ workload, has garnered significant attention and discussion among fans and pundits alike.
With the playoffs within reach, the Pirates are fostering a sense of optimism and belief. Skenes' dominance on the mound is a key factor fueling that hope. His performances have instilled confidence throughout the clubhouse, and his teammates trust in his abilities.
"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 emphasized. His words echo the collective sentiment of a team unified by a common goal: making a playoff push.
As the season progresses, the Pirates will undoubtedly lean heavily on Skenes' arm. With every start, he continues to defy expectations and build a resume that suggests a future star. If Skenes maintains his current form, the Pirates’ ambitions of a playoff berth will not just be a distant dream but a tangible reality.
For now, Pittsburgh fans can relish in a masterful performance from their ace, confident that with Skenes on the mound, anything is possible.