Paul Skenes gave Team USA exactly the kind of composed, big‑stage start the Pirates have come to expect, working 4 1/3 innings against Team Dominican Republic while allowing six hits, no walks, and striking out two in a 2-1 win. The lone damage came on a solo homer to Junior Caminero, but Skenes otherwise managed traffic and kept the game from tilting early to earn the victory.
Gregory Soto had a far rougher go in relief for the Dominican side. The left-hander recorded just one out, was tagged for a home run by Roman Anthony, and misplayed a hit up the middle that extended the inning. He did pick up a strikeout, but command issues defined the outing.
Oneil Cruz, pinch-hitting in the ninth inning against Mason Miller, grounded out to the shortstop to move the game-tying run to third base. Miller struck out Geraldo Perdomo to close the game out.
THE ASYLUM
Skenes manages traffic, exits with lead
Paul Skenes gave Team USA exactly the kind of composed, big‑stage start the Pirates have come to expect, working 4 1/3 innings against Team Dominican Republic while allowing six hits, no walks, and striking out two in a 2-1 win. The lone damage came on a solo homer to Junior Caminero, but Skenes otherwise managed traffic and kept the game from tilting early to earn the victory.
Gregory Soto had a far rougher go in relief for the Dominican side. The left-hander recorded just one out, was tagged for a home run by Roman Anthony, and misplayed a hit up the middle that extended the inning. He did pick up a strikeout, but command issues defined the outing.
Oneil Cruz, pinch-hitting in the ninth inning against Mason Miller, grounded out to the shortstop to move the game-tying run to third base. Miller struck out Geraldo Perdomo to close the game out.
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