Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes delivered an electrifying performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, showcasing why he is one of the most promising talents in Major League Baseball. In his 11th start of the season, Skenes held the Brewers hitless through seven dominant innings, further cementing his reputation as a budding ace.
With surgical precision, Skenes racked up 11 strikeouts and issued just a single walk, ensuring Milwaukee's lineup remained futile throughout his outing. His command was evident as he kept the Brewers' hitters off balance, leading to an exceptional 99-pitch effort before being relieved by manager Derek Shelton.
Stellar Start, Smart Management
Despite the pitcher’s desire to finish the game, Shelton made the calculated decision to pull Skenes, adhering to a strategic approach to manage his pitch count. This strategy has been a recurring theme in Skenes' young MLB career, as he has surpassed the 100-pitch mark in only four of his 11 starts.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes reflected. "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."
No-Hit Bid Thwarted
In the eighth inning, Colin Holderman took over the mound but unfortunately surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced, thereby ending the combined no-hit bid. Despite this, Holderman, along with Aroldis Chapman, masterfully preserved the slim 1-0 lead, securing a victory for the Pirates.
This victory was substantial not only because of the pitching showcase but also because it bolstered the Pirates’ position in the National League wild-card race. At 45-48, every win inches Pittsburgh closer to their playoff aspirations.
Rare Company
Skenes' stellar performance has catapulted him into the annals of baseball history. He became only the second pitcher in AL/NL 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 remarkable feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan.
With an ERA dipped to 1.90 after his latest outing, Skenes' first 11 starts have been nothing short of impressive. His dominance on the mound is characterized by a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio, following a mid-May debut that has left an indelible mark on this season.
Playoff Push
As the Pirates make their push towards a playoff berth, the management of Skenes' workload has been a hot topic. With Derek Shelton's strategies under scrutiny, it’s clear that the decisions are being made with an eye on both immediate performance and long-term health.
The Pirates’ bullpen, fortified by the presence of fireballers like Holderman and Chapman, adds an extra layer of confidence to Shelton's decision-making. Skenes echoed this sentiment, noting, "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."
The infusion of young talent like Skenes, combined with strategic management and a resilient bullpen, has infused a renewed sense of optimism and belief in the Pirates’ clubhouse. This young pitcher’s first 11 starts not only showcase his immense potential but also reinforce the team’s hope of clinching a postseason spot.
As the season progresses, the Pirates look to rally behind their emerging star and make a significant impact in the playoff race. With Paul Skenes leading the charge on the mound, Pittsburgh’s playoff dreams seem well within reach.