Snake Bytes 5/7

Snake Bytes 5/7

TL;DR

Paul Skenes delivered an impressive 8-inning performance, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates to victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The D-backs struggled offensively, with manager Torey Lovullo acknowledging Skenes' skill in executing his game plan.

Key points

Paul Skenes pitched 8 scoreless innings
Diamondbacks manager praised Skenes' performance
Ketel Marte struggles as one of the unluckiest hitters
Paul Sewald donates for each strikeout to charity

Pittsburgh PiratesArizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MAY 06: Konnor Griffin #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is tagged out at home plate by Gabriel Moreno #14 of the Arizona Diamondbacks during the seventh inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on May 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images **Team News** **Soroka on short end of pitchers’ duel against Skenes, Pirates**“Oh, boy,” Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said as he sat down for his postgame press conference. “Paul Skenes showed why he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. He went out there and executed a game plan. He wasn’t just relying on his fastball. He was mixing pitches. It looked like the changeup was in play in any part of any count. And we just got beat. We got beat by a really good pitcher.” **Diamondbacks baffled by Paul Skenes: ‘That’s an approach’** Skenes retired the first 14 batters of the game with 49 pitches, just over halfway to perfection. The bid ended rather unceremoniously with a Lourdes Gurriel Jr. dribbler to the left side, as Skenes’ throw to first was wild. With a perfect throw, Skenes could have collected the out, and if the no-hitter continued, that ruling could have been a point of contention. The point became moot quickly, as laced a single to left on the next pitch, more importantly giving the D-backs a chance with a runner in scoring position. **Diamondbacks Shut Down by Paul Skenes’ 8-Inning Masterpiece** **Can get luckier, D-backs find old offensive form?** “We’ve looked every which way and truth is he’s been if not the unluckiest, one of the unluckiest hitters in baseball,” D-backs hitting coach Joe Mather told *ArizonaSports.com*. “The balls are smoking right at guys. Pitchers are not throwing him good pitches to hit a lot and he’s still (hitting the ball hard). … Big thing with us is making sure, yes everything is lining up mechanically but at the same time keeping him positive.” **D-backs Torey Lovullo Makes Bold Commitment Amidst Lineup Controversy** “I could probably bounce him around the field,” said Lovullo. “I see him playing a variety of positions and he’s earned playing time and as long as he continues to do well, he will continue to earn that playing time. We’re going to create some versatility for him to construct the lineup the best way we can.” **D-backs Closer Re-Launches Heartwarming Charity Effort** Sewald’s personal charity effort pledges $500 for each strikeout he records on the season to Child Crisis Arizona — an organization that provides resources and safe environments for both financially-underprivileged and abused children. The Arizona Diamondbacks foundation is matching each $500. **Other Baseball** **Comparing ’s 2026 paces to best MLB relief seasons** **Tigers’ gets 5-game suspension for hitting batter** **Cubs’ injures meniscus while playing with his kids** ** To Undergo Season-Ending Ankle Surgery** **Vintage Skenes fires 8 scoreless innings as Pirates even series** **3 bases-loaded HBPs?! Angels-White Sox make bizarre history** **What’s going on with the wacky run differentials so far this season?** **Anything Goes** This day in history: Germany sank the Lusitania in 1915 in WW1, and surrendered unconditionally in WW2, in 1945. For VE Day, My Grandfather’s RAF book This day in baseball:

Q&A

What did Paul Skenes achieve in the game against the Diamondbacks?

Paul Skenes pitched 8 scoreless innings, showcasing his skills and leading the Pirates to a win.

How did the Diamondbacks' manager react to Skenes' performance?

Manager Torey Lovullo praised Skenes, stating he executed a strong game plan and was difficult to hit.

What is the significance of Ketel Marte's struggles for the Diamondbacks?

Ketel Marte has been identified as one of the unluckiest hitters, with hard-hit balls often going directly to fielders.

What charity initiative is D-backs closer Paul Sewald involved in?

Paul Sewald is donating $500 for each strikeout he records this season to Child Crisis Arizona, with the Diamondbacks matching his contributions.