No support for Skenes, Happ does it again

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Paul Skenes struck out 10 batters, gave up one earned run on a 67 mph looper and lost 7-2 to the Cubs Thursday night.

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The NL Cy Young Award winner struck out the side twice, but in the fourth inning, a walk to Michael Busch, followed up a dribbler by Ian Happ for an infield single and then Senya Suzuki’s bloop led to the first run. In the sixth inning, Skenes walked Busch again before an error by replacement third baseman Tyler Callihan and then what was generously ruled an infield hit and then error by Jared Triolo allowed the second run. Mason Montgomery relieved Skenes and a fielders’ choice allowed the third run to score.

Skenes line—5.1 innings, 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 earned, 3 walks, 10 strikeouts.

"Totally in command," said Pirates manager Don Kelly. "The stuff was really good. I thought the fastball velo was up a little bit. Command was good. They had some good at-bats off of him. Pitch count got elevated a little bit, and then even on the balls that they were able to score on, not hammered. The ball back to Paul that he tried to barehand, and then the jam shot to left in the sixth inning. We have to play better defense."

"I thought coming out of the gate it was pretty good,” Skenes said. “I think there were times throughout the game where it was kind of hit and miss. But for the most part, found ways to get outs. I think even in that stretch it didn't feel perfect that time."

Mt. Lebanon native Ian Happ hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning and now has 43 RBI at PNC Park. He also extended his on-base streak at PNC Park to 41 consecutive games.

Reliever Brandan Bidois gave up three runs, two earned, in the eighth on the Happ homer and a passed ball.

Of the seven Cubs runs, only three batters got on base via a hit.

Injuries

Neither yet put on the Injured List, but shortstop Konnor Griffin didn’t start because of forearm discomfort and third baseman Nick Gonzales left the game after the second inning as a precaution due to left knee discomfort.

Both errors in the sixth inning were by their replacements.

Top pitching prospect

Seth Hernandez made his third start for High A Greensboro Thursday night, a no-decision going five innings, three hits, two runs, three walks, six strikeouts and a home run allowed. His ERA in 3.55 with the Grasshoppers in 12.2 innings with 18 strikeouts and 11 walks. The right-hander tore through A Bradenton in just six starts. The 19-year-old went 3-0, 0.96 ERA with seven walks and 50 strikeouts in 28 innings, holding opponents to a .135 batting average and 0.71 WHIP.

Notes

• Bryan Reynolds hit his 5^th home run and is tied for 2^nd in Pirates RBI with 35
• In his 1^st official at bat as a Pirate, Callihan had an RBI double in the 6^th
• OF Ronny Simon hit his 5^th HR and his 32^nd RBI at AAA
• 22-year-old righty Antwone Kelly in AAA Thursday (5.1 innings, 6 hits, no runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts) lowered his ERA to 4.96 getting his third win

Up Next

Pirates open a series against Derek Shelton and the Minnesota Twins. Jared Jones, wearing Shelton’s old number 17, will make his first start since September of 2024 and facing RHP Taj Bradley (5-1, 2.77 ERA). Dan Zangrilli has the North Shore Tavern Leadoff Show at 5:45 with first pitch at 6:40 on 93.7 The Fan.