Paul Skenes’ sixth Triple-A start ended much like the previous five — with the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 2023 No. 1 draft choice taking command on the mound.
In his longest outing of the season Tuesday for the Indianapolis Indians, Skenes pitched the game’s first six innings — scoreless for the fifth time this season — against the visiting Buffalo Bisons at Victory Field. He allowed four hits, one walk and no runs while striking out seven. After Skenes left the game, the Indians took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth.
MLB's No. 1 pitching prospect Paul Skenes has been electric in 23 IP across 6 Triple-A starts this season:
41 K
0.39 ERA
0.87 WHIP
89 pitches 100+ mphMore on his latest gem: https://t.co/ofNXwd1bttpic.twitter.com/9mHYrS3i9x
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 1, 2024
Through six games, Skenes has pitched 23 innings, surrendering only one earned run, 14 hits and six walks with 41 strikeouts. Skenes’ ERA fell to 0.39 with a 0.86 WHIP.
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.