Despite a stellar performance from Pittsburgh Pirates' right-hander Paul Skenes, the team's combined no-hit bid fell short in the eighth inning of their recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Skenes, making his 11th start of the season, dazzled on the mound with 11 strikeouts and one walk, holding the Brewers hitless through seven innings before reaching his pitch count limit.
Manager Derek Shelton opted to lift Skenes after he had thrown 99 pitches, a decision rooted in careful management of Skenes' workload. This wasn't an unusual move for Shelton, as Skenes has surpassed the 100-pitch mark in just four of his starts this year. Upon being pulled, Skenes expressed a pragmatic understanding of the choice, highlighting his faith in the bullpen.
"I wasn't going to be surprised either way, if he sent me out or pulled me," Skenes remarked. "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."
Stepping up in the eighth inning, Colin Holderman immediately faced turbulence, surrendering a hit to the very first batter. This hit ended the combined no-hit bid Skenes had so meticulously crafted. Nevertheless, the bullpen managed to preserve the Pirates' narrow 1-0 lead, featuring a combined effort that included the veteran presence of Aroldis Chapman.
Skenes' performance added another chapter to his remarkable debut season. The right-hander has made waves since his mid-May entrance into the Major Leagues, with his latest outing pushing his ERA down to an impressive 1.90. Over his first 10 starts, he posted a 2.12 ERA, underscoring his terrific consistency, and achieving a 6.50 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
His latest feat places him in rarefied air alongside Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. Skenes now joins Ryan as only the second pitcher in American League and National League history to record multiple starts of six or more innings without allowing a hit while striking out at least 11 batters.
This individual highlight comes as the Pirates find themselves embroiled in the National League wild-card race, sporting a current record of 45-48. The team is building a case for postseason contention, with every win adding to their playoff push. Skenes' early success and Shelton's strategic decision-making on managing his workload have become hot topics amongst baseball analysts and fans alike.
The young pitcher's confidence in his team was palpable. "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 with conviction.
The Pirates’ ability to hold on for the victory against the Brewers displayed the effectiveness of Shelton’s bullpen strategy and his calculated decisions regarding Skenes' pitch count. Every choice now plays a significant role as Pittsburgh aims for their playoff berth.
With Skenes' first 11 starts setting an impressive tone, the Pirates are cultivating an environment of optimism and belief. The right-hander's blend of skill, composure, and resilience reflects a pitcher who is not only carrying the weight of a team's playoff hopes but also etching an indelible mark in the annals of baseball history. As the season progresses, the Pirates' faithful will continue to rally behind their emerging star, hoping for more spellbinding performances and perhaps a postseason run that few saw coming.