Skenes enjoys Pittsburgh, believes they are close to winning

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Saying he values the sacrifices volunteer fire fighters make, National League All-Star Paul Skenes donated to the Fan 5 Alarm Marathon on Thursday benefiting fire departments in our area. He also signed some baseballs to benefit local first responders. Skenes also talked straight about this team.

The 23-year-old said he doesn't put too much stock in losing tight games. A loss is a loss, but he believes the roster is like those of teams that have eventually become winners. Right now, they aren't doing enough to pull games out, but they are close.

"I really believe that," Skenes said on 93.7 The Fan.

The lack of run support has not only affected the team's record, but his. He's second in the National League with a 2.05 ERA and tops in the league with a 0.88 WHIP, yet has won four games and lost six. He has twice pitched eight innings giving up a run and lost.

"There are going to have to be some changes that have to happen for us to pull out those games," Skenes said.

He did not elaborate on those changes, but said the impact could be felt quickly. Skenes said on 93.7 The Fan you start winning two, three, four, five one-run games in a three week span and the record starts showing up different.

"Then, who knows, come July we are buyers, not sellers," Skenes said. "I do believe that we are close."

You might think it's getting old for him dealing with a couple of losing seasons, but he told 93.7 The Fan, that is not the case.

"I enjoy it here," Skenes said. "I know a lot of other guys on the team really enjoy it here. We have to get back to what we are good at, now and in the future."

The righty has seen a glimpse of what that would be like.

"The fans show up when we are winning," Skenes said. "It's a great place to play. I've gotten to play in most of the parks now, I think back to June and July last year when we were rolling and the fans were showing up every game, making a lot of noise and giving a lot of support. That was probably the most electric atmosphere I've played in since I've been in the big leagues."

"I don't blame fans for not coming when we are not playing well. If I were a fan and the team is sucking, I probably wouldn't show up either."

"It's on us to change that, but we are close. I do believe that. When we do start winning, it's going to be a really fun time for us."