PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Trailing early at the start of a week-long stand, Pirates scored four in the second inning and 10 in the sixth, plenty for Paul Skenes to a 16-5 win over Washington Monday night.
It’s the first time the Pirates scored 10 runs in an inning since July 9, 2017 at the Cubs and the first time at PNC Park since May 17, 2009. It’s the first time the Pirates scored 16 runs and won since April 29, 2023, also against the Nationals.
Skenes solid
Starting the season with a 67.50 ERA after the season opener, Skenes was in control minus a solo home run by CJ Abrams in the first inning. That was the only hit the righty allowed as Skenes walked James Wood in the third as the only other baserunner. Skenes ERA is now 4.00 as he’s won all three starts this month.
Holy Lowe
The Pirates new second baseman has had his share of splash, Monday he became the first Pirate in history with 10 RBI in two games. It started with a two-run single in the second inning. Lowe singled and scored in the sixth and then homered driving in three in the same inning. The 31-year-old has 14 RBI in 14 games, actually all 14 of those RBI came in four games.
Cruzy at bat
Bases loaded in the second inning for Oneil Cruz. The 27-year-old fouled off the first two pitches, both changeups. After a fastball up, he held up on a knuckle curve in the dirt, fouled off another changeup 3-2 and then watched a four-seam fastball for the first run of the night and the start of a four-run inning.
Later Cruz hit a 114.1 mph, 363-foot single off the Clemente Wall for a two-run double. He would score three runs getting on base four times and added a stolen base.
B-Rey, B-night
Hitting just .167 after the first series of the year, Bryan Reynolds now has 7 RBI in his last four games. His three-run triple in the sixth inning was his first three-bagger since August 8.
Spencer’s 1st
Last year Spencer Horwitz didn’t hit his first home run until May 22 last year, mostly because of rehabbing from his wrist injury. Horwitz was able to stand at the plate and admire his 101.7 mph, 376-foot home run into the seats above the Clemente Wall.
Multi-runs
- The following players each scored two runs—Lowe, Horwitz, Konnor Griffin, Jake Mangum, Henry Davis
Big Jim next
Skenes finished with six strikeouts on Monday, giving him 404 for his career. The fastest Pirates pitcher ever to reach 400. He is now seven shy of Jim Bibby’s 411 strikeouts as a Pirate. He could pass several others in his next couple of starts Jameson Taillon (419), Oliver Perez (421), Jose DeLeon (431).
Pirates roster move before game
Up Next
Mitch Keller could move into the Top 10 in strikeouts starting tomorrow night. Keller is currently 12th with 848. Rick Rhoden is 11 (852) and Deacon Phillippe is 10 (861). Keller faces long-time Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas at 6:40p with Dan Zangrilli hosting the North Shore Tavern Leadoff Show at 5:45p.
Brandon Lowe breaks Pirates record, several with big nights
Brandon Lowe breaks Pirates record, several with big nights
