Mitch Keller’s Win Drought Not True Reflection of Performance

PITTSBURGH — In eight of Mitch Keller’s first 13 starts of the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ offense scored zero runs while he was on the mound.

Keller entered Tuesday’s start against the Miami Marlins at PNC Park having received the fewest average runs of support per game.

Despite throwing his 10th quality start of the season, Keller fell to 1-9 on the year in the Pirates’ 3-2 loss to the Marlins. Once again, the Pirates didn’t score a run when he was on the mound.

Keller scuffled a bit early. Nick Fortes hit a two-run home run against him in the top of the second, and Miami tacked on another the following inning on an Eric Wagaman RBI single.

After that, Keller held the Marlins scoreless over the next three frames. The right-hander completed 6.0 innings, allowed three runs on eight hits, didn’t walk a batter and struck out four.

“Quality start. Gave us a chance to win,” manager Don Kelly said on Keller’s performance. “Competed, battled and that’s what he does every time he goes out there and finds a way to give us a chance to win the ballgame.”

Keller’s lone win of the season came against the Marlins in his 2025 debut on March 28. In his second start of the year, Keller allowed a season-high seven runs in 3.2 innings against the Yankees at PNC Park.

Since then, Keller has a 3.72 ERA over his last 12 starts. His record, though, during that span is 0-8, while the Pirates are just 2-10.

“It’s tough, man. He’s pitched well enough to win some ballgames,” said Kelly. “He’s done a great job, like he did tonight, with giving us a chance to win. Unfortunately, there’s been a lot of times where we haven’t been able to come through in those instances. Just hoping in the ninth inning, he doesn’t get the loss. He doesn’t get the win either, but we’d get the team win, and that’s ultimately what we’re after.”

Digging a little deeper, a lot of what Keller has done this season as gone according to plan.

Though his strikeout rate has dropped each season since a career-high 25.5% during his All-Star campaign in 2023, his walk rate and home run rate are both career-bests.

“I feel like I’m throwing the ball well,” he explained. “I feel healthy and I feel like my stuff’s coming out, I feel like it’s getting better as the year goes on, so that’s always a positive.”

Keller isn’t focused on what’s out of his control.

“The challenge is going out there every night trying to not give up runs against other lineups,” he said. “That’s the challenge for me and that’s the challenge I’ll always take out there. I try to control what I can control.”

No Home Cooking

It’s been a while since Keller got a win at PNC Park — over 11 months to be exact.

Keller’s last win in Pittsburgh came last season on July 8 against the Mets. He’s made 15 starts at PNC Park since and is 0-9. His overall record since his last home win? 2-16.

Keller faded after the All-Star break last season, but he’s pitched better in 2025. However, since his last home win, Keller’s overall record is 2-16. Some of those losses are due to poor performance — most of which came in 2024 — but a lot of the losses this season are more a reflection of the Pirates’  offense than of Keller himself.

Though it would be understandable to see Keller frustrated with the lack of run support and the piling losses, he’s not letting things affect him.

‘He’s a pro. I haven’t sensed any of that,” Kelly said when asked if he’s seen any frustration.  “He works his butt off in between starts, goes out there and regardless of the score, continues to fill up the zone, get better and work on the things he needs to and he’s done a good job.”