Paul Skenes Shines, Bullpen Seals Pirates' Victory
The Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes delivered a masterful performance on the mound in his 11th start of the season, holding the Milwaukee Brewers hitless through seven innings. Skenes, a force to be reckoned with, racked up 11 strikeouts and issued just one walk before being lifted after throwing 99 pitches. Despite his dominance, it was Manager Derek Shelton's strategic handling of Skenes' pitch count that garnered significant attention.
"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, the decision to replace Skenes was validated by the bullpen's subsequent performance. Colin Holderman took over in the eighth inning, though he surrendered a hit to the first batter he faced, ending the combined no-hit bid. Nevertheless, the Pirates' bullpen remained resolute, preserving a 1-0 lead and sealing a crucial victory against the Brewers. Aroldis Chapman played a key role in securing the win for Pittsburgh.
Skenes' accomplishment of multiple starts with six or more innings without allowing a hit while striking out at least 11 batters places him in elite company. The only other pitcher to have achieved this remarkable feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan.
Since making his MLB debut in mid-May, Skenes has been nothing short of sensational. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a 2.12 ERA and an impressive 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio. After his latest outing, Skenes' ERA dipped even further to 1.90, showcasing his consistency and dominance on the mound.
The Pirates, with a record of 45-48, are firmly in the National League wild-card race, chasing a playoff berth. The potential for postseason play has brought a wave of optimism and belief to the team and its supporters. Manager Derek Shelton's decision-making, particularly in managing Skenes' workload, has become a focal point of conversation among fans and analysts alike.
As the Pirates push towards the playoffs, Skenes' impressive first 11 starts have provided a solid foundation for the team. His trust in the bullpen's capabilities underscores the unity and confidence within the squad. "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.
With the playoffs within reach, the Pirates aim to build on this momentum. The strategic decisions by Manager Derek Shelton and the collective efforts of the team have positioned Pittsburgh as a strong contender. As Paul Skenes continues to dominate on the mound, the Pirates' playoff aspirations seem increasingly attainable.