Paul Skenes looked like Paul Skenes, why it was different

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If there was a word to describe why Paul Skenes had the best stat line in months in the Pirates 1-0 win at San Diego Tuesday night, it came from him often after the game ‘execution’.

“I think execution was just better today,” Skenes said.

He would repeat that word often over the four-minute post-game interview.

For the first time since May 12, Skenes had a start with no walks. That has been an issue for the third-year right-hander, his control has been elite in his young career, but has combined to walk or hit multiple batters in six straight starts, three of the previous four starts, Skenes walked four.

“It was the best outing in a while for Paul,” said Pirates manager Don Kelly. “Velo seemed to tick up a little bit, command was much, much better throwing all pitches for strikes. I thought it was the best outing he’s had in a while.”

Skenes pitched ahead in counts and his pitches lived in the 97-mph range, even hitting 98 mph a couple of times.

“(Radar) Gun must be hot with (Padres closer Mason) Miller throwing as hard as he does, that’s got to be it, right,” Skenes said.

“Felt good, I think the body was probably in a little better spot, the flow of the delivery. It’s been a little hit-and-miss I think this year, today was a good day with that.”

After a 6.25 ERA in July and not getting past the fifth inning in August, the 24-year-old finished with 6 innings, 3 hits, no runs, no walks, 4 strikeouts.

“It’s a good stat line, but I think the most encouraging thing was the execution,” Skenes said.

Encouraging is a good word. No matter how the team finishes, Paul Skenes looked like Paul Skenes Tuesday night against the team in the final playoff spot in their ballpark.