Skenes just keeps ripping through the record books
Don Kelly has been around some great pitchers throughout his career, perhaps none greater than Justin Verlander in Detroit. Now, Kelly is managing Paul Skenes, who's once again updating the history books every time he steps on the mound. That was no different in the Pirates' 3-1 win over the Rockies Tuesday night at PNC Park.
"Back in 2011 with (Verlander), every time he took the mound, you were shocked when he gave up a hit," Kelly said. "Paul is on that type of run right now, just the way that he's throwing the ball, the commanding in the zone, too. Being able to mix it up with all his pitches, it's impressive to watch."
Skenes went the first 6 1/3 innings of Tuesday night without allowing a hit, utterly dominating the Colorado lineup. He struck out the first six batters of the game, a streak that only ended because Willi Castro laid down a bunt on the first pitch of the third inning:
Paul Skenes struck out the first 6 batters he faced tonight, so the next hitter tried to lay down a bunt.
"I thought that was kind of funny," Skenes joked after the game.
The Pirates' ace wound up pitching eight scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and no walks while striking out 10 batters. In doing so, he joined Bob Veale and Steve Blass as the only Pirates in the modern era (since 1901) to pitch eight scoreless innings and allow two or fewer hits in back-to-back starts.
Perhaps what's even more impressive, Skenes hasn't walked a batter since April 13th. During that stretch, he's racked up 40 strikeouts, the most between walks by a Pirates pitcher since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893.
Yeah, that's the level Skenes is on right now. Since he allowed five earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning on opening day, Skenes has a 1.09 ERA and 0.53 WHIP in 49 1/3 innings over eight starts.
What's most impressive about it all? Skenes is the same regardless of the latest start. Right now, Skenes seems to be on an entirely different planet. But, he approaches the game the same way, whether the previous start was an eight-scoreless outing or the opening day debacle.
"I had a joke in college, when I would give up a couple runs or something, like, 'You've got to scrap everything, raise your arm slot and start throwing your changeup more,'" Skenes said. "Really, you've just got to get back to what you do well. Nothing changes. Your routine should be the same. Good outing, bad outing, whatever. Like, just do your thing. Go into each start with the same goal. Big league hitters, they have bats, they drive nice cars, sometimes they're going to get to you and you've just got to stay the same in the four or five days between starts and stay the same in your start day too."
THE ASYLUM
Skenes just keeps ripping through the record books
Don Kelly has been around some great pitchers throughout his career, perhaps none greater than Justin Verlander in Detroit. Now, Kelly is managing Paul Skenes, who's once again updating the history books every time he steps on the mound. That was no different in the Pirates' 3-1 win over the Rockies Tuesday night at PNC Park.
"Back in 2011 with (Verlander), every time he took the mound, you were shocked when he gave up a hit," Kelly said. "Paul is on that type of run right now, just the way that he's throwing the ball, the commanding in the zone, too. Being able to mix it up with all his pitches, it's impressive to watch."
Skenes went the first 6 1/3 innings of Tuesday night without allowing a hit, utterly dominating the Colorado lineup. He struck out the first six batters of the game, a streak that only ended because Willi Castro laid down a bunt on the first pitch of the third inning:
"I thought that was kind of funny," Skenes joked after the game.
The Pirates' ace wound up pitching eight scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and no walks while striking out 10 batters. In doing so, he joined Bob Veale and Steve Blass as the only Pirates in the modern era (since 1901) to pitch eight scoreless innings and allow two or fewer hits in back-to-back starts.
Perhaps what's even more impressive, Skenes hasn't walked a batter since April 13th. During that stretch, he's racked up 40 strikeouts, the most between walks by a Pirates pitcher since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893.
Yeah, that's the level Skenes is on right now. Since he allowed five earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning on opening day, Skenes has a 1.09 ERA and 0.53 WHIP in 49 1/3 innings over eight starts.
What's most impressive about it all? Skenes is the same regardless of the latest start. Right now, Skenes seems to be on an entirely different planet. But, he approaches the game the same way, whether the previous start was an eight-scoreless outing or the opening day debacle.
"I had a joke in college, when I would give up a couple runs or something, like, 'You've got to scrap everything, raise your arm slot and start throwing your changeup more,'" Skenes said. "Really, you've just got to get back to what you do well. Nothing changes. Your routine should be the same. Good outing, bad outing, whatever. Like, just do your thing. Go into each start with the same goal. Big league hitters, they have bats, they drive nice cars, sometimes they're going to get to you and you've just got to stay the same in the four or five days between starts and stay the same in your start day too."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits!
We’d love to have you!