Skenes extends historic control streak in Pirates' win over Rockies
The reigning NL Cy Young winner struck out the first six batters and held Colorado hitless through seven innings, though a single by Mickey Moniak ended his no-hitter bid.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes delivered a commanding performance against the Colorado Rockies, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning before a single by Mickey Moniak ended the bid. The 23-year-old worked eight innings in a 3-1 victory, lowering his season ERA to 1.98 and maintaining a sub-2.00 career ERA through his first 64 starts. The win moved the Pirates to a 23-19 record, placing them one game out of a National League wild-card spot in fourth place in the NL Central.
Skenes, the reigning National League Cy Young winner, struck out the first six batters he faced before Willi Castro attempted a bunt single in the third inning. He subsequently retired 14 consecutive batters before Troy Johnston reached base on a hit-by-pitch from a wayward changeup. The outing featured 19 whiffs, including 11 on his fastball, and he recorded at least one called strike on all five pitch types used.
The performance highlighted a remarkable stretch of control. Skenes has not allowed a walk in 123 consecutive batters faced, spanning 35 consecutive innings. The last batter to work a walk off Skenes was James Wood of the Washington Nationals on 13 April. His last five starts have yielded a 0.84 ERA with 38 strikeouts and zero walks over 32 innings.
This streak brings Skenes close to the National League record for consecutive innings without a walk, which stands at 72 1/3 innings, set by Greg Maddux of the Atlanta Braves in 2001. The MLB record is held by Bill Fischer of the Kansas City A's, who went 84 1/3 consecutive innings without issuing a free pass in 1962.
The victory underscores the Pirates' position in the competitive senior circuit. While they sit in fourth place in the NL Central, their recent form keeps them firmly in contention for the final wild-card berth. Skenes' ability to keep runs off the board remains central to the team's strategy as they navigate the latter stages of the season.
