Morning Rundown: Paul Skenes pitches into the fifth, Pirates lose bullpen game to Brewers

Paul Skenes pitches into fifth for first time in pro career, Pirates drop game three of series versus Brewers

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

The first overall pick in the 2023 draft, Paul Skenes, made another start for the Indianapolis Indians on Wednesday.

For the first time in his professional career, Skenes pitched into the fifth inning and gave up the first two runs (one earned) of the 2024 season.

His final line was 4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R (ER), BB, 7 K

He only hit triple digits twice, dialing back to ensure he could get through the 71 pitches that he did throw.

Skenes also picked up 16 whiffs on 42 swings (38%), eight of which came on the fastball (40%). The ‘splinker’ averaged 94.5 mph and got five whiffs on 14 swings.

This wasn’t his ‘best’ outing, but his ability to mix speeds, command the near triple digits at the top of the zone, and cover upwards of six pitches kept hitters guessing for the majority of the day.

The last fastball that Skenes threw, pitch number 70 (of 71) clocked in at 100.1 mph.

If the rotation in Triple-A remains the same, then next week will be the first time that Skenes will pitch in the same week (Tuesday/Sunday).

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The Pirates opted for a bullpen game on Wednesday and lost to the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2.

Bryan Reynolds hit his third home run of the season, a two-run shot that represented all of their scoring for the night. The offense, in total, only managed three add hits.

Josh Fleming started the bullpen game, pitched 2.1 innings, and allowed two runs, but neither were earned. Luis Ortiz, Roansy Contreras, and Hunter Stratton all pitched at least two full innings in relief.

Mitch Keller is scheduled to pitch on Thursday for the Pirates as they look to claim the four-game set against the Brewers before heading out west to play the Giants and Athletics.

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• Bradenton Marauders activated OF/1B Eddy Rodriguez from the 7-day injured list

• OF Solomon Maguire assigned to the Bradenton Marauders from the FCL Pirates

• Greensboro Grasshoppers activated RHP Derek Diamond from the 7-day injured list

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Top Exit Velocity

1. Andres Alvarez - IND - 108 MPH - Lineout

2. Jack Suwinski - PIT - 107.7 MPH - Double

3. Omar Alfonzo - BRD - 107.5 MPH - Double

4. Nick Gonzales - IND - 106.9 MPH - Single

5. Oneil Cruz - PIT - 105.6 MPH - Single

Top Pitch Velocity

1. Paul Skenes - IND - 100.2 MPH

2. Paul Skenes - IND - 100.1 MPH

3. Paul Skenes - IND - 99.8 MPH

4. Paul Skenes - IND - 99.7 MPH

5. Paul Skenes - IND - 99.6 MPH

Most Whiffs

1. Paul Skenes - IND - 16

2. Hunter Barco - GBO - 14

3. Hung-Leng Chang - BRD - 9

4. Luis Ortiz - PIT - 7

5. Roansy Contreras - PIT - 6

6. Derek Diamond - GBO - 6

7. Justin Meis - ALT - 6

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Indianapolis Indians - 7 vs Omaha Storm Chasers - 4

Gameday

Top Hitter - Nick Gonzales: 3-5, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI

Top Pitcher - Paul Skenes: 4.1, 5 H, ER, BB, 7 K

Altoona Curve - 7 vs Akron RubberDucks - 8

Gameday

Top Hitter - Seth Beer: 4-4, 2 R

Top Pitcher - Isaac Mattson: 3 IP, 3 H, 3 K

Greensboro Grasshoppers - 5 vs Greensville Drive - 6

Gameday

Top Hitter - Jack Brannigan: 1-5, R, HR, 2 RBI

Top Pitcher - Derek Diamond, 3 IP, 2 H, 4 K

Bradenton Marauders - 3 vs Clearwater Threshers

Gameday

Top Hitter - Garret Forrester: 2-4, RBI, 2B

Top Pitcher - Hung-Leng Chang: 5 IP, 2 R (0 ER), BB, 4 K

Probable Pitchers

Pittsburgh Pirates - Mitch Keller

Indianapolis Indians - TBD

Altoona Curve - Sean Sullivan

Greensboro Grasshoppers - Patrick Rielly

Bradenton Marauders - Antwone Kelly