Mick Abel Shines in Phillies Debut, Outduels Paul Skenes
In an exciting encounter, Mick Abel had a memorable debut in the Major Leagues, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a score of 1-0. Abel demonstrated his talent by striking out nine batters in six innings, securing the three-game sweep for the Phillies and marking their fifteenth win in 20 games.
The game was defined in the fifth inning, when Brandon Marsh drove in the only run of the game with a groundout. Paul Skenes, from the opposing team, pitched a three-hit game with nine strikeouts and one walk in his first complete game in his 33 starts in the majors.
Skenes, despite his outstanding performance and an ERA of 2.52 in his last four starts, has not managed to obtain victories, accumulating a record of 0-3 in that period. His 2.44 ERA this season places him in fifth place among National League pitchers.
The Pirates’ performance has been irregular, with a record of 3-13 in May and 15-32 for the season. Since the change of command, following the dismissal of Derek Shelton and the arrival of Don Kelly, the team has a record of 3-6.
Mick Abel, the young 23-year-old pitcher selected by the Phillies in the 2020 draft, shined in his debut. He allowed five hits and didn’t concede any walks, matching the strikeout record for a Phillies debutant, established by Curt Simmons in 1947.
Abel demonstrated control and power, throwing 62 of his 84 pitches in the strike zone. His four-seam fastball averaged 97.3 mph, complementing with curves, sliders, sinkers, and changeups.
The Phillies’ bullpen was effective, with Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm, and Jordan Romano securing the victory. Romano struck out all three batters he faced, earning his fifth save of the season.
Before the game, closer Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games due to a positive testosterone test.
In the fifth inning, singles by Nick Castellanos and Max Kepler put runners on the corners, and although Alec Bohm was struck out with a fly ball, Brandon Marsh drove in the decisive run. Bryce Harper singled in the sixth inning, being the only other hit for the Phillies in the game.
