Paul Skenes: End of a Historic Streak with the Pirates
In an exciting encounter, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes saw an impressive streak of 46 starts allowing six or fewer hits interrupted. This achievement, which marked a milestone in his young career, came to an end in Thursday’s 7-0 victory against the Cincinnati Reds. Skenes’ mark, according to OptaStats data, surpassed the previous one held by Shohei Ohtani, who maintained the streak for 31 starts between 2018 and 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels. In Thursday’s game, Skenes (7-8) allowed seven hits in six innings, striking out eight batters. His earned run average (ERA) dropped to 1.94, the lowest among qualified pitchers. Furthermore, he extended his streak of scoreless home innings to 27⅔ innings. He hasn’t given up a run at PNC Park since June 8 against Philadelphia, and that was an unearned run.Skenes has maintained an impressive streak of five consecutive starts without allowing earned runs at PNC Park. This is the longest streak for a Pirates pitcher at home since earned runs became an official National League statistic in 1912. Previously, Skenes shared the team record with Bob Harmon (1915) and Zane Smith (1990). The 23-year-old pitcher is the youngest pitcher since 1920 in MLB to achieve this streak.His material was elite.
Don Kelly, Manager of the Pirates
Skenes has shown remarkable effectiveness against the Reds, with a career record of 4-0 and an ERA of 0.39, accumulating 33 strikeouts.Every time he goes out there, it’s incredible, the way he attacks hitters.
Don Kelly, Pirates Manager
