Pirates

Pirates Preview: One More Series Before All-Star Break

Published

7 months ago

July 12, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates squeaked out a 1-0 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the rubber match on Thursday thanks to a dominant start from Paul Skenes.

Skenes pitched seven innings, didn’t allow a hit, walked one and struck out 11 batters. His battery mate, Yasmani Grandal, was responsible for driving in the Bucs’ lone run.

The Pirates (45-48) will now head to the South Side of Chicago to take on the White Sox (27-68) in the final series before the break.

First pitch is set for 8:10 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

A beautiful night for baseball at Guaranteed Rate Field. Mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70s. Winds ENE at 6-7 mph.

The Chicago White Sox Will Send Out LHP Garrett Crochet (6-6, 3.08 ERA)

Considering the White Sox are on a 46-win pace this season, Crochet’s .500 record tells you everything you need to know about how good he’s been.

Crochet, a hard-throwing left-hander, was named an All-Star for the first time after transitioning from the bullpen to the rotation this year.

He leads baseball with 146 strikeouts and has the best FIP among all starters at 2.43.

Crochet has only faced the Pirates one time in his career and allowed four runs without recording an out.

Pirates Hitters vs. Crochet

Michael A. Taylor: 1 for 1

Tidbits

Thursday was the second time in his career Skenes didn’t allow a hit and struck out 10+ batters in a start. In his second-ever start, he no-hit the Cubs through six innings at Wrigley Field and punched out 11.
Skenes has recorded at least seven strikeouts in eight-straight starts, which is a new franchise record.
The rookie phenom has not allowed more than two runs in a start since June 5, a total of six starts. During that stretch, he owns a 1.14 ERA (5er/37.1ip).