The Pittsburgh Pirates, while out of postseason contention, find hope in Paul Skenes’ dominant pitching streak as he prepares to pitch at Coors Field in Denver on Saturday. Skenes, holding a majors-best 1.83 ERA, will face the Colorado Rockies in a key matchup to extend his impressive run and help his team maintain momentum.

Heading into the contest, Skenes carries a 13-inning scoreless streak and a 6-8 record. This marks his first meeting with Rockies left-hander Austin Gomber, who has struggled this season with a 0-5 record and a 6.28 ERA. The Pirates seek to recover from a tough loss the night before, where they surrendered a massive early lead and fell 17-16 to Colorado.

Paul Skenes’ Recent Dominance and Pirates’ Winning Momentum

Skenes has been a standout performer for Pittsburgh, delivering 14 quality starts this season and not allowing a run since July 11, when he lost a game to Minnesota after giving up runs in the fourth inning. In his last two starts, he pitched six shutout innings against Arizona and Detroit, guiding the Pirates to victory and establishing himself as a reliable ace heading into a demanding August schedule.

“I think a lot of July, I’ve been trying to get ready for that. So [I] just got to keep doing that – keep up my body in good positions and go out there and keep pitching well.”

—Paul Skenes

Pittsburgh aims to secure their fourth straight series win, having won eight of their last ten games. Before their recent high-scoring loss against Colorado, the Pirates limited opponents to one run or fewer in seven consecutive contests, showcasing their strong pitching and defense, led by Skenes’ efforts.

Rockies’ Struggles and Young Talent Stepping Up

The Colorado Rockies continue to experience a difficult season, with 29 wins and the looming threat of reaching a modern-era record for losses if their struggles persist. The club has leaned into a youth movement, introducing 11 players to major league action this year, including Warming Bernabel, who has impressed in his rookie campaign.

Bernabel has collected hits in every game he’s appeared in, totaling six straight, and has already hit three home runs. His most recent contribution was a three-run homer on Friday night that fueled a comeback attempt and included his first career triple, raising his batting average to an impressive .458 in 24 at-bats.

“I see immediate confidence coming up from the minor leagues,”

Rockies interim manager Warren Schaeffer commented.

“It looks like he knows what he wants, like he’s hunting (specific pitches) up there. It looks like he knows what he’s doing.”

“It’s a breath of fresh air to see that coming up from the minor leagues, ready to hit like that.”

—Warren Schaeffer

Upcoming Matchup and Its Significance for Both Teams

The Saturday duel between Paul Skenes and Austin Gomber represents a crucial opportunity for both pitchers and their respective clubs. Skenes aims to extend his run of dominance against a struggling Rockies lineup and help the Pirates maintain their recent surge in performance. Meanwhile, Gomber is desperate for his first win of the season and a breakthrough victory over Pittsburgh, a team he has yet to defeat in nine appearances.

This game holds added importance as Pittsburgh tries to rebound from the previous night’s collapse where they blew a large early lead, and Colorado seeks to protect their home turf while continuing to develop young talent despite a tough overall season.

Skenes’ ability to sustain his dominant pitching streak at Coors Field, a notoriously hitter-friendly ballpark, will be closely watched by both teams and fans as August promises to test the Pirates’ pitching staff and potential playoff aspirations.