Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes put on another pitching clinic, showing off his command and poise on the mound. Even with his lights-out performance, Skenes ended up with a no-decision—yeah, that’s been happening a lot in his sophomore season.
This past Sunday, he went 7â…” innings against the Philadelphia Phillies, giving up just one unearned run on two hits. The Pirates pulled out a 2-1 win, finishing off a three-game sweep and extending the Phillies’ losing streak to five.
The game really showcased Skenes’ steadiness and the Pirates’ recent surge. Fans and analysts can’t help but buzz about what Skenes could mean for the future of this team.
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Paul Skenes: A Model of Consistency
Paul Skenes is in a routine. Pitch deep into a game. Allow a single run, if that. That line sums up the 23-year-old’s season almost perfectly.
He’s 4-6, but his 1.88 ERA is second-best in the National League—only Kodai Senga of the Mets is better. Even so, Skenes keeps missing out on wins, mostly because the Pirates’ bats just don’t wake up when he’s on the mound.
Skenes’ Latest Gem
In his latest start, Skenes threw 97 pitches, 62 for strikes, over 7â…” innings. He racked up seven strikeouts and only walked one, showing off his pinpoint control.
Manager Don Kelly pulled Skenes with the game tied at 1. Fans weren’t thrilled, but Kelly stood by the call, saying Skenes had “emptied the tank” and it was time to give rookie righty Braxton Ashcraft a shot.
Rookie Reliever Steps Up
Ashcraft came in with the pressure on and delivered. He got his first big-league win after Andrew McCutchen’s go-ahead, broken-bat single in the eighth.
Ashcraft walked his first batter but quickly settled down, getting a groundout and then a game-ending double play as rain started to fall. After the game, Ashcraft made sure to credit Skenes for setting the tone.
Team Dynamics and Support
For the Pirates, this win felt bigger than just another notch in the column. Skenes said he liked how the team had been playing, even if the wins hadn’t always come.
His attitude and presence on the mound help keep the group focused and hungry for more.
Skenes’ Season in Numbers
Skenes’ stats this season tell the story of a guy who always gives his team a chance. Over his last eight starts, he’s allowed just five runs in 42â…“ innings, but somehow he’s 1-4 in that stretch.
The Pirates have only averaged 3.35 runs in his 14 starts—so yeah, not much help. Still, Skenes keeps grinding and turning in elite outings.
Comparisons and Competitions
Skenes has made a habit of matching up with other top starters. Against the Astros last time out, he gave up one run on three hits, struck out eight over eight innings, and the Pirates still lost 3-0.
He says pitching in tight games is “fun,” though you get the sense he’d welcome the occasional blowout win.
Managerial Decisions and Game Strategy
Don Kelly’s call to pull Skenes in the eighth was a gamble, but it worked. Kelly praised Skenes for filling up the strike zone and dominating, but decided it was the right moment for Ashcraft.
It’s always a balancing act between riding your ace and letting a rookie prove himself. This time, Kelly’s faith in Ashcraft paid off, and you have to think we’ll see the rookie in more big spots soon.
Looking Ahead
As the season rolls on, the Pirates need to keep building on these wins. They’ll have to give Skenes more support at the plate and keep the bullpen sharp if they want to make a run.
If Skenes can stay healthy and keep dealing, he’s going to set the tone for this club. His steady excellence gives everyone else something to chase.
Conclusion
Paul Skenes just put on a show against the Phillies. He threw lights-out, but once again, the run support was barely there, and he walked away with a no-decision.
The Pirates still managed to snag the win. Ashcraft and McCutchen chipped in at key moments, hinting at what this squad might actually pull off when things click.
Skenes keeps making his case as one of the National League’s best young arms. The Pirates really need to start backing him up and turning these performances into actual wins.
If you’re curious about the details from Skenes’ outing or want to catch up on the Pirates’ latest games, check out the full article on ESPN.
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