Paul Skenes Takes Another No-Decision After Quick Hook; Pirates Shut Out Again
Paul Skenes was lifted after just 78 pitches in five dominant innings in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 1-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
How We Got There
Oneil Cruz aided Paul Skenes in his strong start by throwing out J.P. Crawford at home plate on Jorge Polanco’s single. Cruz’s throw came in at 105.2 mph, the fastest throw from a position player in baseball this season.
Oneil Cruz just threw the runner out from center field at 105.2 mph 🤯 pic.twitter.com/bX8VwFRMHc
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) July 6, 2025
Skenes struck out a season-high 10 batters in his five-shutout innings and didn’t issue a free pass for the fifth time this season.
Carmen Mlodzinski (2-6) relieved Skenes and allowed a two-out solo home run to Randy Arozarena.
The Pirates (38-53) did not score a run in any of the three games against the Mariners (48-42). The last Pittsburgh team to be shutout in all three games of a series was the Alleghenys in 1888.
Key Moment
Don Kelly’s decision to remove Paul Skenes immediately backfired as Carmen Mlodzinski surrendered the game-winning home run to Randy Arozarena.
Star of the Game
Mariners starter George Kirby (3-4) struck out nine and yielded four hits in 6.1-shutout innings.
Stat to Know
Despite posting a 1.72 ERA, Paul Skenes has just one win over his last 13 starts. His last win came on May 28 against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Notable Performances
- Paul Skenes: 5.0 innings, five hits, no runs, no walks, 10 strikeouts, 78 pitches/52 strikes
- Tommy Pham: 2 for 4
Noteworthy
- Paul Skenes was named a National League All-Star for the second straight season. He’s one of two Pirates’ pitchers in franchise history to go to back-to-back All-Star games along with Bob Veale and Rip Sewell. Skenes is the Pirates’ lone All-Star selection.
- Pirates’ pitchers have combined to allow 12 runs over their last nine game.
Up Next
LHP Andrew Heaney (4-7, 4.16 ERA) will start for the Pirates in Kansas City on Monday night. LHP Noah Cameron (2-4, 2.56 ERA) goes for the Royals. First pitch: 7:40 p.m. ET.
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