Paul Skenes delivered a standout performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven innings in his 11th start of the season. The right-hander's commanding presence on the mound was highlighted by 11 strikeouts and just one walk, underlining his impressive start to his Major League Baseball career. Despite throwing only 99 pitches, Skenes was lifted from the game by Manager Derek Shelton, who has been carefully managing his pitch count.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes remarked after the game. "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 has surpassed the 100-pitch threshold in just four of his 11 starts, showcasing the cautious approach employed by Shelton. This careful management was evident as Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning, only to surrender a hit to the first batter he faced, thereby ending the combined no-hit bid.
Despite this setback, the Pirates' bullpen, featuring the fire-throwing Aroldis Chapman, managed to preserve the slim 1-0 lead, securing a crucial victory against the Brewers. The bullpen's consistency has been a cornerstone for the Pirates as they navigate through the season, clearly indicated by the trust Skenes placed in them.
Skenes' exceptional outing against Milwaukee also carved his name into the record books. 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. The only other pitcher to achieve this feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of Skenes' start to his career.
Making his MLB debut in mid-May, Skenes quickly established himself as a dominant force on the mound. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a remarkable 2.12 ERA and boasted a stellar 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Following his latest outing, his ERA dipped even lower to 1.90, further cementing his status as one of the premier pitchers in the league.
The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 45-48 record, keeping them firmly in the National League wild-card race. The team, driven by optimism and a strong belief system, is making a spirited push for a playoff berth. The performance of their pitching staff, led by the sensational Skenes, is a pivotal factor in their postseason aspirations.
"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, underscoring the collective confidence within the team.
As the Pirates continue their quest for a playoff spot, Derek Shelton's strategic decisions, particularly in managing Skenes' workload, remain a topic of conversation. The young pitcher's stellar performances combined with the bullpen’s steady contributions provide a promising outlook for Pittsburgh's playoff hopes.
Paul Skenes' first 11 starts in Major League Baseball have indeed been impressive, marked by historical accomplishments and reinforced by a solid ERA. As the Pirates aim for a return to postseason glory, the team's current form and Skenes' continuing excellence could very well be the key factors for an exciting conclusion to their season.