Final Score: Pirates 3 Rockies 1
Why The Pirates Won: Paul Skenes spun another 8 inning gem taking a no hitter into the 7th. He gave up 2 hits, struck out 10 and gave up 0 walks for the 5th consecutive game. He started the game by striking out the first six batters he faced. Gregory Soto gave up back to back doubles in the top of the 9th to make it interesting but got the save to start the home stand off on the right foot. The Pirate offense was not great but went 4 for 12 with runners in scoring position and scored all 3 runs after 2 were out. Maybe they will go on a bit of a run.
Key Moments Of The Game: For Skenes it was the 3rd inning. He was able to retire the side on just four pitches. This enabled him to get through 8 innings throwing 98 pitches. In the bottom of the 5th the Pirates had 2 outs nobody on. Oneil Cruz, who went 3 for 4, took a grooved 0-2 pitch and lined it into left center field for a double. Brandon Lowe took a 1-0 pitch and lined it into right field just soft enough to allow Cruz, who was running like the wind, to barely beat the throw to give the Pirates a 2 run cushion. They added another run in the 7th which made one breath easier with this bullpen.
Next Game: Tonight Rockies in Pittsburgh 6:40. Mitch Keller is going for the Pirates tonight. So far he is having his best season as a pro. He has had only one bad outing in 8 starts. Even though everyone has been clamoring for this I think it is a bad break that Joey Bart had to go on the IL because of a foot infection of all things. He was swinging a very hot bat. I was mildly surprised that the Pirates brought up Endy Rodriguez rather than Rafael Flores. Hopefully Rodriguez will be the catcher tonight.
The Goofy Game of Golf/Life Searching for the Answer 