UPDATE: In a stunning performance, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes achieved a remarkable feat on July 13, 2023, despite allowing his career-worst seven hits in a game against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates triumphed with a decisive 7-0 victory at PNC Park, marking a significant moment in Skenes’ burgeoning career.
Skenes’ record streak of allowing six or fewer hits ended at 46 starts, a remarkable run that had not been matched in the major leagues since Shohei Ohtani‘s 31 starts from 2018 to 2021. Skenes (7-8) pitched for six innings, striking out eight batters and lowering his ERA to an impressive 1.94, the lowest among qualified pitchers in the league.
With this performance, Skenes extended his scoreless streak at home to an astonishing 27⅔ innings. He has not allowed a run at PNC Park since June 8 against the Philadelphia Phillies, and that run was unearned. Pirates manager Don Kelly praised Skenes, stating, “His stuff was elite.”
This record-breaking stretch makes Skenes the youngest major league pitcher since 1920 to have such a streak without allowing an earned run at home. He previously shared this franchise record with team legends Bob Harmon (1915) and Zane Smith (1990).
Skenes’ dominance against the Reds has been particularly noteworthy, boasting a perfect 4-0 record and an incredible 0.39 ERA against them, complemented by 33 strikeouts. Kelly noted, “Every time he goes out, he’s unbelievable, the way he’s able to attack hitters.”
As Skenes continues to break records and dominate on the mound, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching his next performance. The Pirates look to build on this momentum as they navigate the rest of the season, with Skenes at the forefront of their pitching lineup.