Paul Skenes practically perfect in latest sensational start for Pirates

TL;DR

Paul Skenes delivered an outstanding performance for the Pirates, nearly achieving a no-hitter and a perfect game. He pitched eight innings, allowing only two baserunners in a 1-0 victory over the Diamondbacks.

Key points

Paul Skenes is a Cy Young winner.
Skenes nearly pitched a no-hitter.
He allowed only two baserunners in eight innings.
The Pirates won 1-0 against the Diamondbacks.
Don Kelly is the manager of the Pirates.

Mentioned in this story

Don Kelly

Paul SkenesPittsburgh PiratesArizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX — Pittsburgh Pirates Cy Young winner Paul Skenes, already producing the greatest start to a career of any pitcher in MLB history, came oh, so close Wednesday to carving out a page in the record book.

Skenes, in one of the finest starts of his brilliant career, came oh, so close to pitching a no-hitter.

Really, he came oh, so close to pitching a perfect game.

“I’d be lying,’’ Pirates manager Don Kelly said, “if I said it didn’t go through my mind.’’

Skenes instead had to settle for a brilliant eight-inning gem, allowing just two baserunners in the Pirates’ 1-0 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.

“I don’t know what else to say,’’ Kelly said, “but he was unbelievable.’’

Skenes was blowing his 98-mph four-seam fastball past the D-backs. He had them swinging at air on his changeup. He had them diving at his sinker. They flailed away at his sweeper.

Everything was working, generating 13 swings-and-misses, with seven strikeouts on three different pitches.

He threw 97 pitches, 65 for strikes.

He retired 13 Diamondback hitters on three or fewer pitches.

He never threw more than 17 pitches in a single inning, and threw nine pitches or fewer in three innings.

He barley broke a sweat.

“I thought there were times that every pitch was working,’’ Skenes said, “but they weren’t at the same time, unfortunately. I was happy with it. We were executing our pitches.’’