Pirates’ Paul Skenes exits after seven no-hit innings, 11 strikeouts in Milwaukee

Pirates manager Derek Shelton pulled rookie starter Paul Skenes after seven no-hit innings on Thursday in Milwaukee.

Skenes, the Pirates’ young ace, had thrown 99 pitches while lowering his ERA to 1.90 in 11 starts, bolstering his case to start the All-Star Game for the National League on Tuesday in Texas.

Skenes had managed to navigate the seventh inning in just six pitches, which for a moment offered hope that he might chase a no-hit bid. But Shelton turned to reliever Colin Holderman in the eighth inning, and Milwaukee’s Jake Bauers opened the inning with a single to right field. Despite the Brewers loading the bases, Holderman was able to escape without giving up a run and Aroldis Chapman retired three straight hitters in the bottom of the ninth to seal the Pirates’ 1-0 win.

Skenes, who is now 6-0 on the season, finished with 11 strikeouts and one walk.

It was the latest dominant performance for Skenes, the 2023 No. 1 pick who has taken the National League by storm in his rookie season and emerged as one of the best starters in baseball.

Skenes previously threw six no-hit innings against the Cubs in his second career start on May 17 in Chicago. Skenes becomes just the second pitcher in major-league history to have multiple outings of 11 or more strikeouts and zero hits allowed in a season. Nolan Ryan was the first in 1973.

Skenes was selected to the All-Star Game despite not debuting this season until May 11, and his consistent performance and electric stuff has convinced many that he might be the best option to start the All-Star Game at Globe Life Field.

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(Top photo of Paul Skenes: John Fisher/Getty Images)