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
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).
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.
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
Andres Alvarez - IND - 108 MPH - Lineout
Jack Suwinski - PIT - 107.7 MPH - Double
Omar Alfonzo - BRD - 107.5 MPH - Double
Nick Gonzales - IND - 106.9 MPH - Single
Oneil Cruz - PIT - 105.6 MPH - Single
Top Pitch Velocity
Paul Skenes - IND - 100.2 MPH
Paul Skenes - IND - 100.1 MPH
Paul Skenes - IND - 99.8 MPH
Paul Skenes - IND - 99.7 MPH
Paul Skenes - IND - 99.6 MPH
Most Whiffs
Paul Skenes - IND - 16
Hunter Barco - GBO - 14
Hung-Leng Chang - BRD - 9
Luis Ortiz - PIT - 7
Roansy Contreras - PIT - 6
Derek Diamond - GBO - 6
Justin Meis - ALT - 6
Indianapolis Indians - 7 vs Omaha Storm Chasers - 4
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
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
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
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
Hunter Barco on the fast track to promotion? Also, only giving up 3 runs for the arms we put out there yesterday was honestly better than I expected. Needed more offense, but can't hold the pitching accountable for that one
I don't watch too many teams besides the pirates regularly but I went to see the dodgers play the nationals yesterday for ohtani. I saw Pittsburgh earlier in the month in DC as well. I know they are the favorites to win it all but watching each of their at bats and overall offense was really eye opening when compared to Pittsburgh. It definitely felt like the teams are not in the same league. I guess to read about it is one thing but to see it in person really drives home the differences.