DETROIT — Paul Skenes struck out nine and earned his second career victory and the Pittsburgh Pirates salvaged a doubleheader split with a 10-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.
Skenes (2-0), making his fourth major league start, gave up two runs and three hits in six innings. Skenes has 30 strikeouts in 22 innings and a 2.45 ERA.
Andrew McCutchen had a three-run homer in the third inning for his 1,600th career hit. McCutchen had three hits and a walk while driving in four runs. Nick Gonzales also had three hits, including a solo homer.
Tigers starter Keider Montero (0-1), making his major league debut, gave up four runs and five hits while striking out five in 4 1/3 innings. Montero got the promotion from Triple-A Toledo earlier in the day.
Matt Vierling hit his fourth homer in three games for Detroit, which had its four-game winning streak snapped.
McCutchen’s homer off Montero’s curveball gave Pittsburgh a 3-1 lead. Gonzales homered in the fourth. The Pirates added six runs over the final four innings.
In the opener, Vierling had a three-run homer and drove in four runs in Detroit’s 8-0 victory. Tarik Skubal bounced back from his only loss this season by holding the Pirates to three singles and a walk in seven innings.
ROSTER MOVES
Pirates: Left-hander Martin Perez (groin) was placed on the 15-day injured list and catcher Joey Bart (thumb) was placed on the 10-day IL. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes was activated from the 10-day IL and went 0-for-2 in the opener. Catcher Grant Koch walked once and struck out three times in his major league debut after getting called up from Triple-A Indianapolis.
Tigers: Outfielder Kerry Carpenter (spine) was placed on the 10-day IL. Outfielder Akil Baddoo was recalled from Triple-A Toledo and drove in a run in the second game.
UP NEXT
Pirates: Left-hander Bailey Falter (3-2, 3.55 ERA) will start the opener of a three-game series at Toronto on Friday night.
Tigers: Right-hander Jack Flaherty (1-4, 3.84 ERA) will start the opener of a four-game series at Boston on Thursday night.
In a thrilling doubleheader matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Detroit Tigers, it was Paul Skenes who emerged as the standout player in the Pirates’ victory to salvage a split in the series.
Skenes, a rising star in the Pirates’ lineup, showcased his talent and skill in the second game of the doubleheader. The young outfielder went 3-for-4 at the plate, including a crucial two-run home run in the fifth inning that helped propel the Pirates to a 6-4 victory over the Tigers.
Skenes’ performance was a testament to his ability to come through in clutch situations and deliver when his team needed him most. His power at the plate and defensive prowess in the outfield have quickly made him a fan favorite among Pirates’ faithful.
The victory was a much-needed boost for the Pirates, who had dropped the first game of the doubleheader to the Tigers earlier in the day. With the win, the Pirates were able to salvage a split in the series and maintain their position in the playoff race.
Skenes’ standout performance in the second game of the doubleheader is just the latest in a string of impressive outings for the young outfielder. As he continues to develop and grow as a player, Skenes is sure to be a key contributor for the Pirates as they push for a postseason berth.
Overall, Paul Skenes’ shining performance in the Pirates’ victory over the Tigers was a highlight of an exciting doubleheader matchup. His talent and skill on display serve as a reminder of the bright future ahead for both Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.