Morning Rundown: Bradenton Marauders continue surge, Paul Skenes debut day
Marauders have won eight in a row, Skenes to make major league debut Saturday.
After a rough start to the season, the Bradenton Marauders have taken off. They won five of six games against the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels last week and have taken the first four against the St. Lucie Mets.
It’s been timely hitting that has helped them continue the streak, especially in the last two games.
The Marauders have won the last two nights on walk-off wins, with Jeral Toledo winning it on Thursday and Eddy Rodriguez sending them home on Friday.
In both cases, it’s been a late comeback that has propelled them to victories.
While the offense was a big reason for the slow start, it’s really come alive lately. The team has 19 home runs on the season, seven of which have come this week against St. Lucie.
Paul Skenes makes his major league debut for the Pirates today. He will face the Chicago Cubs at 4 p.m. ET.
The first overall pick from the 2023 draft has been every bit as expected this year while with the Indianapolis Indians.
With a fastball that easily hits triple digits, Skenes has been able to mix in multiple pitches behind it to keep hitters on their toes.
After his first start in Triple-A, we broke down his outing and what really stood out for him.
Now is the best time to check it out, not only with him making his debut today but also because we are running a 20% off yearly subscription when you become a paid member while I am in Bradenton.
In seven starts in Triple-A, Skenes struck out 45 batters along with a 0.99 ERA across 27.1 innings pitched.
Altoona Curve activated LHP Nick Dombkowski from the 7-day injured list
Altoona Curve transferred SS Aaron Shackelford to the Development List
RHP Chris Gau assigned to Altoona Curve from Indianapolis Indians
C Carter Bins assigned to Altoona curve from Indianapolis Indians
Indianapolis Indians activated SS Mike Jarvis
Pittsburgh Pirates recalled SS Nick Gonzales from Indianapolis Indians
Pittsburgh Pirates optioned SS Alika Williams to Indianapolis Indians
Support the site by becoming a paid member, and get access to all of our premium content, including our Top 25 list with complete player write-ups and my video breakdowns, which come out weekly.
It will also give access to my player feature articles from on-site trips.
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Top Exit Velocity
Solomon Maguire - BRD - 106.7 mph - Home Run
Michael A. Taylor - PIT - 105 mph - Single
Malcom Nunez - IND - 104.7 mph - Single
Andrew McCutchen - 104.5 mph - Flyout
Esmerlyn Valdez - 104.4 mph - Home Run
Top Pitch Velocity
Jared Jones - PIT - 100.5 mph
Jared Jones - PIT - 99.5 mph
Jared Jones - PIT - 99.2 mph
Jared Jones - PIT - 99.1 mph
Jared Jones - PIT - 98.9 mph
Most Whiffs
Jared Jones - PIT - 18
Michael Kennedy - BRD - 14
Derek Diamond - GBO - 8
Hunter Stratton - PIT - 7
Isaac Mattson - IND - 6
Jose Hernandez - IND - 6
Indianapolis Indians - 0 vs Louisville Bats - 3
Top Hitter - Ji-Hwan Bae: 1-3, BB
Top Pitcher - Wily Peralta: 3 IP, 2 H, 3 K
Altoona Curve - PPD
Greensboro Grasshoppers - 3 vs Bowling Green Hot Rods - 4
Top Hitter - Shawn Ross: 1-3, R, BB, 2B
Top Pitcher - Derek Diamond: 4 IP, 4 H, BB, 4 K
Bradenton Marauders - 8 vs St. Lucie Mets - 7
Top Hitter - Esmerlyn Valdez: 1-3, R, 4 RBI, HR, BB
Top Pitcher - Landon Tomkins: 1.1 IP, W
FCL Pirates - 6 vs FCL Orioles - 8
Top Hitter - Yordany De Los Santos: 1-4, R, 2 RBI, HR
Top Pitcher - Jose Regalado: 1.2, H, BB, 2 K
At Pirates City watching Zander Mueth pitch. Struggling to find the zone but the ball explodes out his hands and it basically seems like he’s throwing side arm
Had a pretty good scare a bit ago. Internet completely crashed, at least the provider the house I’m staying at is using, all over the Florida area.
Thought I was going to be left in the Stone Age for the last part of my trip lol