PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes is scheduled to start against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 12 at American Family Field, marking a crucial matchup in the division. This game follows Skenes’ challenging outing in late June when he struggled against the same team.
Skenes will face right-handed Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta in the second game of the series, with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 p.m. (EST). His previous game against Milwaukee ended in a 4-2 loss, with Skenes allowing four earned runs in just five innings pitched.
Examining Skenes’ Past Performances Versus the Brewers
This season, Skenes has faced Milwaukee multiple times with mixed results. His first start against the Brewers came on May 23 at PNC Park, where he allowed only one earned run while striking out eight over six innings in a no-decision game. The Pirates ultimately won that contest 6-5 in extra innings.
More impressively, on July 11, Skenes took to the mound on the road and flirted with a no-hitter through seven innings, surrendering just a walk and a hit batter. He struck out 11 batters to tie his career high, contributing to a tight 1-0 victory.
In his most recent outing on August 7 against the Cincinnati Reds, Skenes logged his 24th start of the season, surpassing the rookie year total. Though he gave up seven hits, he delivered six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, helping the Pirates secure a 7-0 win at PNC Park.
Strong Statistical Season Highlights Skenes’ Impact
Paul Skenes holds a 7-8 record in the 2025 season, maintaining an impressive 1.94 ERA across 144 innings pitched. He has struck out 162 batters while issuing only 34 walks, resulting in a .192 opposing batting average and a WHIP of 0.93. These numbers position him among the league’s elite pitchers with the lowest ERA, tied for lowest batting average against, and ranking in the top ten for innings pitched and strikeouts.
Other Pirates Starters Also Set to Face Brewers
Left-hander Andrew Heaney will start the series opener on August 11 against the Brewers’ José Quintana, with play beginning at 7:40 p.m. (EST). Heaney struggled in his previous meeting with Milwaukee on June 24, surrendering three home runs and seven earned runs over four innings during a 9-3 loss.
His most recent appearance occurred on August 6 against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park, where despite allowing a solo home run, he pitched 4.2 innings in a competitive 4-2 loss. Heaney’s 2025 record stands at 5-9 with a 4.77 ERA over 115 innings, including 80 strikeouts and a .250 opposing batting average.
Right-handed Mitch Keller will take the mound in the series finale on August 13, facing Brewers right-hander Brandon Woodruff. Keller dominated in his only start against Milwaukee this season on May 24, giving up a single run over seven innings and striking out seven in a 2-1 Pirates victory at PNC Park.
Keller’s latest start was on August 8 against the Cincinnati Reds, when he pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two earned runs before the Pirates rallied to win 3-2. His season features a 3.86 ERA over 137.2 innings with 107 strikeouts, though his win-loss record is 5-10. Keller ranks sixth in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB for quality starts, having delivered 15 this year.
Potential Implications for the Pirates’ Season
As the Pirates continue their season, Paul Skenes’ upcoming start against the Brewers stands as a pivotal moment for both himself and the team. After a tough outing on June 25, Skenes has the opportunity to showcase his elite pitching and help the Pirates maintain standings within the division. His consistently strong statistics reflect his importance to Pittsburgh’s rotation, while other starters Heaney and Keller aim to contribute valuable innings and success against a tough Brewers lineup.
This series will further test Pittsburgh’s pitching depth and could shape momentum heading into the crucial final months of the season. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Skenes can avenge his prior defeat and continue his rise as a leading figure in the Pirates’ rotation.