Pirates edge Marlins 3-2

On Monday night, Paul Skenes delivered an impressive performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, striking out nine batters over six innings against the Miami Marlins. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed only one run on six hits, which helped him lower his earned run average to 2.10. This outing marked Skenes' fourth consecutive win, bringing his season record to 10-2 and setting a new Pirates rookie record with 151 strikeouts. He became one of only four rookies in MLB history to achieve 150 strikeouts in 20 starts or fewer, joining the ranks of notable pitchers like Kerry Wood, Dwight Gooden, and Mark Prior. Despite needing 98 pitches to complete his six innings and facing challenges in maintaining efficiency, Skenes managed to navigate through the game without significant trouble. His fastball reached 100 mph on six occasions, showcasing his potential as a strong candidate for the National League Rookie of the Year award. The Pirates' offense also contributed to the victory, with Oneil Cruz hitting his 19th home run of the season and Bryan Reynolds delivering a two-run double off Marlins pitcher Valente Bellozo. In the ninth inning, Aroldis Chapman faced a challenge after Cristian Pache hit an RBI double, but he successfully closed out the game to earn his seventh save. This victory marked the Pirates' second consecutive win, further solidifying their competitive position in the league. Overall, the game highlighted Skenes' remarkable talent and the Pirates' ability to secure close wins, which could be crucial as they aim for a successful season.