Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Paul Skenes Shines in Doubleheader Split Against Detroit Tigers
DETROIT (AP) — In a thrilling doubleheader split against the Detroit Tigers, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes stole the show with an impressive performance, leading his team to a 10-2 victory in the second game.
Skenes, who celebrated his 22nd birthday on the same day, showcased his talent by striking out nine batters and allowing only two runs and three hits in six innings. With this win, Skenes secured his second career victory and continued to impress with his 2.45 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 22 innings.
Manager Derek Shelton praised Skenes for his dominant pitching, particularly highlighting his effective use of the two-seam fastball, which often confused Tigers hitters. Skenes also received support from his teammates, including Andrew McCutchen, who hit a three-run homer for his 1,600th career hit.
Despite a strong performance from Tigers starter Keider Montero, who made his major league debut, the Pirates managed to secure the win and snap the Tigers’ four-game winning streak. Montero’s curveball was no match for McCutchen’s powerful swing, as he gave Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead with his homer.
In the first game of the doubleheader, Detroit’s Matt Vierling led his team to an 8-0 victory with a three-run homer and four RBIs. However, the Pirates bounced back in the second game, showcasing their resilience and offensive prowess.
As the Pirates look ahead to their upcoming series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Skenes remains a key player to watch, especially with his ability to deliver strong performances with solid run support from his teammates. With the team’s recent success, fans can expect more exciting games and standout performances from Skenes in the future.