Despite suffering his first major league loss as a starting pitcher, Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes dominated the competition.
Skenes pitched the ninth inning for the first time in his MLB career Tuesday night at PNC Park, pitching 8 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out eight.
The right-hander gave up a home run in the fifth inning and eventually allowed a game-winning single to Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson, giving Pittsburgh a 2-1 loss.
Still, the game was an impressive one for Skenes, and Pirates fans made sure he knew it.
Skenes (6-1, 1.93 ERA) was greeted with “MVP” chants and fans cheering when he returned to the mound in the ninth inning. He was spotted wearing a fake moustache. It looked very similar to the real one worn by Skenes.
“It was amazing, especially Tuesday night,” Skenes said of the chants. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It just kind of shows where we are as a team and as a city. It’s really, really cool.”
“Of course I wanted it to end. It was a great moment.”
Skenes entered Tuesday’s start with a 1.90 ERA and a 6.85 strikeout-to-walk ratio through his first 11 major league games this season.
But despite the first loss, Pirates coach Derek Shelton praised his team’s effort.
“He was efficient, he was focused, he didn’t walk any batters,” Shelton said. “He was pretty much in control the whole game.”
Tuesday marked Skenes’ first start since last week’s MLB All-Star break.
The rookie became the National League starter last Tuesday at Texas.
Skenes gained fame in the sports world not only for his talents on the mound, but also for his relationship with former Louisiana State University gymnastics star Olivia “Livi” Dunn.
Dunn appeared to be in attendance at Tuesday’s game, based on his social media posts.
