Pittsburgh Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Paul Skenes delivered an outstanding performance throughout July, earning him the National League Pitcher of the Month honor. His dominant pitching helped him secure this distinction for the first time since Ivan Nova won it for the Pirates in 2017.
Exceptional Statistical Performance Highlights Skenes’ July
Over five starts during July, Skenes posted a 2-1 record and allowed only two earned runs across 27 innings, resulting in an extraordinary 0.67 ERA. He surrendered just 21 hits, four hit batters, and three walks while striking out 36 batters. His opposing batting average stood at .212, and he maintained a WHIP of 0.89, underscoring his control and dominance on the mound.
Key Game Performances Showcase Consistency and Skill
Skenes recorded consecutive scoreless starts, pitching five innings against the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on July 1 and another five innings against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on July 6. Against the Mariners, he struck out a season-high 10 batters. The only runs scored against him were a two-run homer by Minnesota Twins designated hitter Trevor Larnach on July 11 at Target Field, during a 2-1 loss.
All-Star Game Milestone: Consecutive Starts in Early Career
On July 15, Skenes represented the National League as a starter in the All-Star Game at Truist Park, delivering a scoreless inning with two strikeouts. This achievement made him the first pitcher in history to start consecutive All-Star Games and one of only five players ever to start in both of their first two seasons. In Pirates history, he joins Bob Friend as the only pitchers to start multiple All-Star Games, with Friend’s appearances in 1956 and 1960.
Strong Returns Following the All-Star Break
Following the All-Star break, Skenes maintained his momentum with two consecutive scoreless outings at PNC Park. On July 21, he pitched six innings with six strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers in a 3-0 shutout, and on July 27, he threw six shutout innings with nine strikeouts against the Arizona Diamondbacks in a 6-0 win. Both starts included allowing just three hits, one walk, and hitting one batter each.
July Performance Joins Elite Company in Pirates History
Skenes’ 0.67 ERA in July ranks as the fifth-lowest ERA for a Pirates pitcher in a single month since 1920, requiring a minimum of 25 innings pitched. Only Zane Smith (0.66 ERA in September 1990), Jim Nelson (0.64 ERA in June 1970), Dock Ellis (0.63 ERA in September 1972), and Bob Moose (0.34 ERA in September 1975) posted lower marks.
Joining a Prestigious Group of National League Pitcher Award Winners
Paul Skenes joins a select group of only eight Pirates pitchers who have received the National League Pitcher of the Month award. This distinguished group includes Ivan Nova, Gerrit Cole (April 2015), Randy Tomlin (June 1992), Doug Drabek (August 1987, July and August 1990), Rick Rhoden (June 1986), John Candelaria (July 1982), and Kent Tekulve (August 1978). This season also saw Pirates right-handed pitcher David Bednar honored as the National League Relief Pitcher of the Month, showcasing the pitching talent emerging from Pittsburgh.
Significance of Skenes’ Achievement and Future Prospects
Paul Skenes’ historic performance in July signals a promising future for the Pittsburgh Pirates’ pitching staff. His ability to maintain such a low ERA over multiple starts demonstrates both durability and skill, making him a key figure in the team’s rotation. His early-career accolades, including back-to-back All-Star Game starts, position him as a rising star in Major League Baseball.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Pirates
As the Pirates continue their season, Skenes’ recent success provides hope for sustained pitching excellence. His performance could inspire confidence in the team’s competitive potential in the National League. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he builds on this milestone and contributes to the Pirates’ future achievements at PNC Park and beyond.