Paul Skenes Dominates Again as Pirates Secure 6-0 Victory
PITTSBURGH – Paul Skenes delivered another standout performance, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a commanding 6-0 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. This win marked the second consecutive day the Pirates shut out their opponents, showcasing a strong pitching effort that has become a hallmark of the team in recent days.
Skenes, who struck out nine batters over six innings, demonstrated remarkable control and effectiveness. He allowed only three hits while throwing a total of 99 pitches, his highest count in over a month. “Ramping him back up a little bit,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly during a post-game press conference. The decision to increase Skenes’ workload reflects the team’s confidence in his abilities and potential.
The Pirates’ pitching staff has been on a notable run lately. Following a 6-1 win against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, Pittsburgh faced a tense 1-0 loss in extra innings to Arizona on Friday. That defeat marked a rare moment of vulnerability, as the only run scored was unearned, starting with a runner on second base. However, the team rebounded strongly, outscoring the Diamondbacks 8-0 in the final two games of the series.
In his outing against Arizona, Skenes became increasingly efficient, finishing the game with a major league-best earned run average (ERA) of 1.83. This performance also represented the most pitches he has thrown since June 19, 2024, when he logged 105 pitches against Detroit. In his subsequent five starts, he had not exceeded 88 pitches. Kelly acknowledged the decision to keep Skenes on the mound in the sixth inning, despite the rising pitch count and the heat of the day. “Just wanted to make sure that he was in a good spot there to finish it off,” he explained.
Skenes has now thrown a total of 133 innings this season, matching his entire rookie total from 2024. The team also provided him with much-needed run support, as this was only the seventh time in 22 starts this year that the Pirates scored more than three runs in a game. This combination of pitching prowess and offensive support could be pivotal for the Pirates as they move deeper into the season.
As the Pirates continue to build momentum, Skenes’ performance will be essential in their pursuit of success in the league. The team’s ability to both pitch effectively and generate runs will be crucial as they look to solidify their standings in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
