Paul Skenes Allows 3 Runs in 4 1/3 Innings on 7 Days' Rest
Updated
Updated · MLB.com · Aug 20
Paul Skenes Allows 3 Runs in 4 1/3 Innings on 7 Days' Rest
3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Aug 20
Summary
Seven days after Pittsburgh pushed back his start, Paul Skenes lasted 4 1/3 innings against Detroit, allowing three earned runs, four hits and four walks on 81 pitches in a 4-3 Pirates walk-off win.
Command remained the issue: Skenes walked the first two batters he faced and has now issued four walks in three of his last four starts, while manager Don Kelly said the club would not push him past roughly 85 pitches.
Velocity also stayed below his earlier standard, topping out at 97.9 mph, and Tigers hitters said they expected a limited outing and tried to attack his four-seam fastball to force an early exit.
Skenes said he felt fresh but "a little out of sync" after the longer break; despite a 3.95 ERA in 26 starts, he said he is tuning out outside noise and focusing on execution.