Paul Skenes Dominates, but Pirates' Combined No-Hit Bid Falls Short Against Brewers
In an electrifying performance, Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes showcased his brilliance on the mound, nearly achieving a no-hit game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Making his 11th start of the season, Skenes held the Brewers hitless through seven innings, notching 11 strikeouts and surrendering only one walk. However, the combined no-hit bid ended in the eighth inning, as the Pirates secured a 1-0 victory.
Skenes' pitch count was closely managed by Pirates' manager Derek Shelton, who decided to lift the rookie sensation after 99 pitches. "I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes reflected post-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."
The eighth inning saw Colin Holderman take the mound, promptly giving up a hit to the first batter he faced, thereby ending the no-hit bid. Yet, the Pirates' bullpen, including veteran closer Aroldis Chapman, held firm to preserve the narrow lead and clinch the victory.
Skenes' performance etched his name into the record books, as he became just 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 such a feat is the legendary Nolan Ryan.
Since making his Major League debut in mid-May, Paul Skenes has rapidly become a key figure in the Pirates' rotation. His impressive statistics over his first 10 starts, where he posted a 2.12 ERA and a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio, have only been bolstered by his latest outing, which brought his ERA down to a remarkable 1.90.
The Pirates' current record stands at 45-48, leaving them in the thick of the National League wild-card race. As they strive for a playoff berth, the performances of their young phenom Skenes continue to be a beacon of hope. Manager Derek Shelton's strategic decisions regarding Skenes’ workload have been a focal point of discussion, emphasizing the balancing act between preserving the pitcher's health and leveraging his talent in crucial games.
Commenting on the bullpen’s reliability, Skenes praised his teammates, saying, "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." This trust was well-placed as the bullpen effectively protected the slim lead, sealing the crucial win over Milwaukee.
As the Pirates continue their pursuit of a playoff spot, the collective belief and optimism within the team are palpable. The combination of Skenes’ dominant starts and the reliability of the bullpen has been a critical factor in their recent performances. While the decision to pull Skenes, despite being on the brink of a no-hitter, might have stirred some debate, the successful outcome undeniably underscored the careful management approach executed by Shelton.
In an era where every game carries significant weight, especially for teams clawing their way toward a playoff berth, the Pirates’ approach exemplifies a blend of strategic foresight and real-time adaptability. Skenes' early successes in his Major League career have brought renewed energy and determination to a Pirates team eager to make waves in the postseason picture.