The Seattle Mariners will wrap up their homestand on Sunday with a highly anticipated matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. This series finale is set to feature a standout pitching duel between two of Major League Baseball’s most promising young right-handers: George Kirby of the Mariners and Paul Skenes of the Pirates. Both pitchers have been making waves in their respective leagues, and Sunday’s game promises to be a showcase of their talents.
George Kirby, who earned a spot as a 2023 All-Star, has been on a path to reclaim his form after being activated from the injured list on May 22. His recent performances have shown significant improvement, as evidenced by his outings against the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins. Kirby allowed only one earned run over six innings in each of these games, demonstrating his ability to dominate the mound once again.
“Last two have been good,” Kirby remarked before Saturday’s game. “Throwing strikes, getting ahead — all I really look for if I’m able to do that is just to be able to get swings easier.”
Kirby’s Road to Recovery
Kirby’s journey back to peak performance has been marked by resilience. Earlier in the season, he was sidelined due to shoulder inflammation, a setback that could have derailed his momentum. However, since his return, Kirby has made eight starts, gradually lowering his ERA to 4.85 over 42.2 innings. Notably, in the past 30 days, his ERA has improved significantly, dropping to 3.10, a testament to his hard work and determination.
His focus remains on consistency and efficiency. “I just want to be able to keep stacking these starts because I know what I’m capable of,” Kirby stated. “I just want to be able to go out and get a quality start every time, six or seven innings. … That’s what I want to do, that and just keep getting swings and misses. I want to get strikeouts and put guys away quicker. If I do that, I know it’s going to be a good game.”
Skenes: A Rising Star
On the opposing side, Paul Skenes has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the National League. As the front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award, Skenes has impressed with a 2.03 ERA and 115 strikeouts over 111 innings in 18 starts this season. His performance in the previous year’s All-Star Game, where he became only the fifth rookie pitcher to start since 1933, further solidified his reputation.
Skenes’ ability to maintain composure under pressure and deliver consistently strong performances has made him a key player for the Pirates. His duel with Kirby is not just a battle of skills but also a meeting of two pitchers at pivotal points in their careers.
In the All-Star Game, Skenes delivered a scoreless inning, showcasing his prowess despite the NL’s 5-3 loss to the American League.
Looking Ahead
As the Mariners prepare for this crucial matchup, Kirby’s sights are already set on future challenges. His next scheduled start is expected to be against the Detroit Tigers, where he will likely face the reigning AL Cy Young winner, Tarik Skubal. “I don’t care who throws with me,” Kirby said. “I can’t control that stuff, so I am just going to go out, limit the runs and give six or seven innings and do my thing.”
This upcoming game against the Pirates not only serves as an opportunity for Kirby to continue his recent success but also as a potential turning point for the Mariners as they aim to strengthen their standing in the league. Meanwhile, Skenes will be looking to maintain his momentum and further his case for the Cy Young Award.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as these two young pitchers take the mound, each hoping to leave a lasting impression. The outcome of this game could have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
