Paul Skenes’ Efforts Go to Waste as Pirates Fall to Cardinals

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes delivered another excellent start but in a 4-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on Monday night.

Recap

Skenes (10-3) retired the first 10 batters he faced before Alec Burleson reached on a base hit that kicked off shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Burleson eventually scored on a Nolan Arenado two-out single to put the Cardinals ahead 1-0.

It was the only one Skenes allowed across six innings pitched. The star rookie allowed four hits, walked a batter and struck out seven. 

The Cardinals (75-75) loaded the bases against Ryan Borucki, who entered the game in relief of Skenes. After all three batters Borucki reached, Colin Holderman was tasked with limiting the damage. The right-hander allowed one of the inherited runners to score on a Pedro Pagés RBI-single. 

Kiner-Falefa prevented another run from scoring by ranging far to his right and delivering an off-balance throw to home plate for the second out of the inning.

Kyle Nicolas was removed in the game with an apparent injury in the bottom of the eighth inning after issuing a leadoff walk to Paul Goldschmidt. He was replaced by Jalen Beeks, who allowed a pair of runs to score. 

The Pirates (71-79) were shut out by three Cardinals’ pitchers. Starter Andre Pallante scattered four hits across seven innings, walked one and punched out nine.

Key Moment

The Pirates had runners on second and third with two outs in the seventh but Pallante struck out Jared Triolo on a pitch that appeared to be off the plate. 

Star of the Game

As good as Skenes was, Pallante (7-8) was the star of the show. The Cardinals’ right-hander set a career-high with his nine strikeouts. 

Stat to Know

Despite falling to 0-2, Skenes has posted a 1.31 ERA (3er/20.2ip) in three starts against the Cardinals this season. He’s struck out 24 batters and has only walked one in those three starts.

Noteworthy

• The Pirates selected INF/OF Nick Yorke from Triple-A Indianapolis and optioned INF Alika Williams. Yorke went 0 for 3 with a strikeout and a stolen base in his debut. 
• Oneil Cruz was not in the lineup after he was removed from Sunday’s game with left ankle discomfort.

Up Next

LHP Bailey Falter (8-7,4.20 ERA) will start for the Pirates on Tuesday night. He’ll be opposed by veteran right-hander Lance Lynn (6-4, 3.96 ERA). First pitch: 7:45 ET.