The Pittsburgh Pirates currently hold a 23-19 record and sit four games back in the NL Central. In the last 24 hours, the club achieved a 3-1 series-opening victory over the Colorado Rockies. Their ace delivered a dominant start.
Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster
MLB Game Recap
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Rockies 3-1 at PNC Park on Tuesday night. They used timely hitting to support a masterful pitching performance. Nick Gonzales provided an RBI single to start the scoring in the first inning. Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds each added RBI singles. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes delivered 8.0 IP with 0 ER. He had 2 H, 10 K, and 0 BB on 98 pitches. He retired 18 of the first 19 batters faced. In the bullpen, Gregory Soto allowed one run in the ninth but recovered to earn his fourth save. The fifth inning had a key turning point. Catcher Henry Davis threw out Troy Johnston. He attempted to steal second, thus ending the frame.
Standout Performer
Paul Skenes was nearly untouchable, carrying a no-hitter into the seventh inning and finishing with 10 strikeouts. He struck out the first six batters he faced. This was the second time in his career that he started a game with six straight punchouts. He did not issue a single walk. Skenes threw 68 of his 98 pitches for strikes, lowering his season ERA to 1.98 and improving his record to 6-2. Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Don Kelly noted that Skenes’ current run is reminiscent of the elite dominance. He compared it to Justin Verlander’s performance in the early 2010s.
Key News & Notes
The Pittsburgh Pirates made a roster change. They placed catcher Joey Bart on the 10-day injured list with a left foot infection. This move is retroactive to May 10. In corresponding moves, the club recalled catcher Endy Rodríguez and right-hander Brandan Bidois from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned Cam Sanders. Bidois is set to become the first player from Australia to ever play for the Pirates. Additionally, Skenes has now faced 123 consecutive batters without issuing a walk, a streak dating back to mid-April.
Get Your Inside The Diamonds Merchandise Here
Farm Report
- AAA Indianapolis (10-8 win): Jhostynxon Garcia (5-for-5, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R) led the Indians past Louisville. He had a historic three-homer performance in his Triple-A return.
- AA Altoona (1-0 win): Duce Gourson (1-for-3, solo HR) provided the only run in a 1-0 victory over Harrisburg. The win was highlighted by a strong rehab start from Jared Jones, who tossed four scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
- High-A Greensboro (4-1 win): Edward Florentino (1-for-5, 2-run HR) hit a home run for the third consecutive game. This led the Grasshoppers past Jersey Shore.
- Single-A Bradenton (8-7 win): Carlos Caro (2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI) delivered a game-tying two-run homer in the eighth. Then, the Marauders secured a 10-inning walk-off victory.
- FCL Pirates (7-1 loss): Yordany De Los Santos (0-for-3, R, BB, SB) was one of the few to reach base. The FCL squad was no-hit by Red Sox pitching.
Looking Ahead
The series continues Wednesday evening at PNC Park as Mitch Keller (4-1, 2.87 ERA) takes the mound for Pittsburgh. He will face Colorado left-hander Jose Quintana (1-2, 3.90 ERA).
Skenes is putting up historic numbers. Meanwhile, the next wave of talent, like Jhostynxon Garcia,, is making noise in the minors. What do you think?
