The Numbers Don’t Lie: Skenes’ Unreal Command

Skenes (5-2, 1.98 ERA) was in complete control from the start. He retired the first 14 batters he faced, including seven strikeouts, before Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Singled in the fifth inning. His command was so sharp that even Brandon Lowe’s 435-foot first-inning homer—off the fourth pitch of the game—felt like a routine out. By the end of the night, Skenes had thrown 97 pitches, with 68 of them for strikes, and had allowed just one run on two hits.

“He loves it for sure. The guy’s 6-foot-6, absolute giant. Throws 100 mph. I think he’s made for every moment on the mound.”

Strikeout Machine: 19 Ks, 11 on Fastball Alone

Skenes’ arsenal was on full display. He recorded 19 strikeouts—11 of them on his fastball—while mixing in sliders, changeups, and curveballs with equal effectiveness. His ability to get at least one called strike on all five pitch types he threw made him nearly unhittable. The only blemish on an otherwise flawless performance was a 17-pitch eighth inning, where he struck out the side but ran out of gas before getting the complete game.

Historic Streaks: 35 Innings Without a Walk

What makes Skenes’ dominance even more remarkable is his current streak. He hasn’t walked a batter in 35 consecutive innings, a span that includes 123 batters faced. The last pitcher to walk a batter off Skenes was James Wood of the Washington Nationals on April 13—a full month ago. While he’s not yet halfway to Greg Maddux’s NL record of 72⅓ innings without a walk (set in 2001), Skenes is already in elite company.

Pirates Climb NL Central as Skenes Carries the Load

The Pirates (23-19) remain in the thick of the NL Central race, just one game behind the third wild card spot. While the team’s offense has been inconsistent, Skenes has been the engine that keeps them afloat. His ability to go deep into games—like his eight scoreless innings on Wednesday—gives manager Don Kelly the flexibility to manage the bullpen strategically.

“He wants to be out there and be in that spot. It just looked like his command wasn’t as good [in the eighth], but he’s made for every moment on the mound.”

The Pressure of Perfection

Skenes hasn’t shown any signs of cracking under pressure. If anything, the closer the game gets, the more he thrives. His ability to induce weak contact—seven groundouts in this start—shows his mastery over hitters. And while he didn’t get the complete game this time, the Pirates’ bullpen (led by Gregory Soto) stepped in to preserve the win.

Looking Ahead: Can Skenes Keep This Up?

At just 23 years old, Skenes has already established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His 1.98 ERA—matching his career mark—suggests this isn’t just a hot streak but the beginning of a sustained run at the top. The question now is whether he can maintain this level of performance as the NL Central heats up.

Key Takeaways

• Skenes tossed eight scoreless innings, striking out 19 and allowing just two hits in Pittsburgh’s 1-0 win.
• He’s on a 35-inning streak without a walk, the longest in MLB this season.
• His 1.98 ERA matches his career mark, cementing his status as one of the best pitchers in the game.
• The Pirates remain in wild card contention, with Skenes carrying the load on the mound.
• If he can stay healthy, Skenes is on track for another Cy Young Award—and possibly a run at the Triple Crown of pitching.

FAQ: Your Questions About Paul Skenes Answered