Paul Skenes leads Pirates to narrow victory over Marlins
- Paul Skenes struck out nine batters in six innings, allowing only one run and six hits.
- Oneil Cruz hit his 19th home run, and Bryan Reynolds contributed a two-run double.
- The Pirates secured their second consecutive win, with Skenes setting a rookie strikeout record.
On Monday night, Paul Skenes delivered an impressive performance, striking out nine batters over six innings, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to a narrow 3-2 victory against the Miami Marlins. The 22-year-old rookie allowed just one run on six hits, which lowered his earned run average to 2.10. This game marked Skenes' fourth consecutive win, bringing his season strikeout total to a record-breaking 151 for a Pirates rookie. Oneil Cruz contributed significantly to the Pirates' offense by hitting his 19th home run of the season, while Bryan Reynolds added a two-run double, helping the team secure their second straight win. The Marlins' Valente Bellozo, despite pitching well for 5 1/3 innings, faced challenges, particularly in the first inning when Cruz's home run put the Pirates ahead. The Marlins had several players, including Xavier Edwards, Jesus Sanchez, and Otto Lopez, who each recorded two hits, but it was not enough to overcome the Pirates' lead. Aroldis Chapman closed the game for Pittsburgh, earning his seventh save despite allowing a run in the ninth inning. As the Pirates conclude a nine-game homestand, they are looking to maintain momentum with a series against the Royals. Skenes' performance has been a bright spot for the team, especially as they manage his workload during his first full professional season, ensuring he remains healthy for future games.