PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes has developed a pattern in his performances.
He often pitches deeply into games, gives up minimal runs, and typically ends without securing a win.
That scenario was similar on Sunday as Pittsburgh Pirates’ standout pitcher, Skenes, threw 7 2/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Allowing just one unearned run on two hits, striking out seven, and walking one, he left the mound with the game tied 1-1.
Despite the no-decision, Skenes maintained a record of 4-6 in his second year, though he improved his ERA to 1.88, making it the second lowest in the National League after the New York Mets’ Kodai Senga, who stands at 1.59.
His attitude towards the result was positive, especially since Pittsburgh managed a 2-1 victory.
They swept the three-game series, handing Philadelphia its fifth loss in a row.
Reflecting on the game, Skenes expressed satisfaction with the current performance.
“I think we’ve been playing quite well lately… it’s nice to finally get some wins out of it, too,” he mentioned.
Skenes used 97 pitches, with 62 in the strike zone.
After retiring two batters in the eighth on four pitches, the manager, Don Kelly, brought in rookie Braxton Ashcraft, amidst a chorus of boos.
Kelly explained, “We felt like (Skenes) was done. He was fantastic in the strike zone, and even when it got tricky in the middle, he was able to regain control.”
In this opportunity, Ashcraft secured his first major league win following Andrew McCutchen’s decisive hit in the eighth.
Ashcraft began by walking Brandon Marsh but then forced a ground out from Rafael Marchán.
Returning for the ninth, he completed the game by inducing a double play from Alec Bohm as the rain set in.
Reflecting on the win, Ashcraft said, “It means a lot to secure a win after such a strong outing from a teammate.
(Skenes) didn’t get the win officially, but it belongs to both of us as much as to me.”
Previously, Skenes allowed just one run on three hits over eight innings against the Houston Astros, showcasing his consistent brilliance despite a 3-0 loss.
In the past eight starts, Skenes holds a record of 1-4, allowing only five runs across 42 1/3 innings in his last six games.
The Pirates, on average, have scored 3.35 runs during his 14 starts and failed to win in three games where he pitched into the eighth inning while permitting only three runs, two being earned.
On Sunday, Cristopher Sánchez challenged Skenes, surrendering two runs and striking out nine over seven innings.
The competition is something Skenes enjoys, yet he embraces other outcomes as well.
“It’s fun,” Skenes commented, “but pitching in games with a massive lead is just as entertaining too.”