While PaulSkenes didn't look much like his normal self during a recent two-start stretch in which he allowed nine runs on 15 hits over 10 innings, he looked better in the Pirates' 7-2 loss to the Cubs here tonight at PNC Park.
There was a lack of offensive support, as both Pirates runs scored following Skenes' exit, and two errors were committed behind him in the sixth inning. Still, he managed to hold up his end of the bargain, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. He retired the first eight batters he faced, including seven via the strikeout. At one point, he struck out six straight, looking more like the elite arm who allowed six measly runs and struck out 55 batters in 49 1/3 innings over eight starts from April 1 to May 12.
"I thought coming out of the gate it was pretty good," Skenes said. "I think there were times throughout the game where it was kind of hit and miss. But for the most part, found ways to get outs. I think even in that stretch it didn't feel perfect that time."
In the eyes of DonKelly, Skenes seemed totally in command. The only real blip on his line was the one earned run the Cubs scored off of him in the fourth inning when SeiyaSuzuki drove in MichaelBusch with an RBI single. Other than that, Skenes threw 62 of his 103 pitches for strikes, displayed increased velocity with all of his pitches, including a sweeper he turned to 31 times, and generated plenty of swing and miss with 20 total whiffs.
Whether he was turning to his fastball, sweeper or changeup, Skenes was finding ways to get outs and keep the Cubs at bay as much as possible. The end result wasn't a desirable one, as the Pirates dropped a second straight game and were forced to settle for a series split, but Skenes ultimately got back on track after the rarity that was back-to-back lackluster performances.
"The stuff was really good," Kelly said. "I thought the fastball velo was up a little bit. Command was good. They had some good at-bats off of him. Pitch count got elevated a little bit, and then even on the balls that they were able to score on, not hammered. The ball back to Paul that he tried to barehand, and then the jam shot to left in the sixth inning. We just have to play better defense there."
THE ASYLUM
Despite lack of support, Skenes returns to form
While Paul Skenes didn't look much like his normal self during a recent two-start stretch in which he allowed nine runs on 15 hits over 10 innings, he looked better in the Pirates' 7-2 loss to the Cubs here tonight at PNC Park.
There was a lack of offensive support, as both Pirates runs scored following Skenes' exit, and two errors were committed behind him in the sixth inning. Still, he managed to hold up his end of the bargain, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits with three walks and 10 strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings. He retired the first eight batters he faced, including seven via the strikeout. At one point, he struck out six straight, looking more like the elite arm who allowed six measly runs and struck out 55 batters in 49 1/3 innings over eight starts from April 1 to May 12.
"I thought coming out of the gate it was pretty good," Skenes said. "I think there were times throughout the game where it was kind of hit and miss. But for the most part, found ways to get outs. I think even in that stretch it didn't feel perfect that time."
In the eyes of Don Kelly, Skenes seemed totally in command. The only real blip on his line was the one earned run the Cubs scored off of him in the fourth inning when Seiya Suzuki drove in Michael Busch with an RBI single. Other than that, Skenes threw 62 of his 103 pitches for strikes, displayed increased velocity with all of his pitches, including a sweeper he turned to 31 times, and generated plenty of swing and miss with 20 total whiffs.
Whether he was turning to his fastball, sweeper or changeup, Skenes was finding ways to get outs and keep the Cubs at bay as much as possible. The end result wasn't a desirable one, as the Pirates dropped a second straight game and were forced to settle for a series split, but Skenes ultimately got back on track after the rarity that was back-to-back lackluster performances.
"The stuff was really good," Kelly said. "I thought the fastball velo was up a little bit. Command was good. They had some good at-bats off of him. Pitch count got elevated a little bit, and then even on the balls that they were able to score on, not hammered. The ball back to Paul that he tried to barehand, and then the jam shot to left in the sixth inning. We just have to play better defense there."
All 10 strikeouts:
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