Paul Skenes Dazzles Before Handing Over to Bullpen in Pirates' Victory
Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes continued his impressive rookie campaign with a masterful performance against the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night. Making his 11th start of the season, Skenes delivered seven hitless innings, striking out 11 batters and issuing just one walk in a dominant display on the mound.
Skenes' remarkable outing was cut short after he reached 99 pitches, prompting Manager Derek Shelton to manage the young pitcher's count carefully. Skenes has surpassed the 100-pitch threshold in only four of his 11 starts this season, a testament to Shelton's cautious approach to preserving the ace's arm.
"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."
Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning and quickly ended the combined no-hit bid, surrendering a hit to the first batter he faced. Despite this setback, the Pirates' bullpen, which included the formidable Aroldis Chapman, managed to preserve the team's narrow 1-0 lead.
Skenes' stellar outing further solidified his place in the history books. 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, joining the legendary Nolan Ryan in this exclusive club.
Since making his MLB debut in mid-May, Skenes has been nothing short of sensational. Over his first 10 starts, he posted an impressive 2.12 ERA and demonstrated a superb 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Following his latest outing, his ERA dipped even further to an astonishing 1.90.
The Pirates' current record stands at 45-48, keeping them in the hunt for a National League wild-card spot. Skenes' phenomenal performances are a significant factor in their playoff aspirations, inspiring optimism and belief within the team and its fanbase.
Manager Derek Shelton’s decision-making regarding the management of Skenes' workload has been a topic of conversation throughout the season. Balancing the need to protect the young talent’s arm while maximizing his impact has been a delicate task, one that Shelton appears to be navigating effectively.
"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, highlighting the reliability and depth of the Pirates' bullpen.
As the Pirates push for a playoff berth, Skenes' first 11 starts have set a high standard. The rookie’s blend of composure, skill, and maturity has been exemplary, raising expectations and providing a solid foundation for the Pirates' postseason hopes.
With each start, Skenes continues to etch his name deeper into the annals of Major League Baseball, offering Pittsburgh fans a reason to dream big and aspire for greater accomplishments. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on the young phenom as he looks to guide the Pirates on a potentially historic journey.