Pirates Shutout Cubs; Skenes Shows Some Guts, Another Late Homer

Paul Skenes wasn’t at his best, but he still got the job done for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 5-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday night. 

Recap

The Cubs (71-68) loaded the bases in each of the first two innings, but Skenes (9-2) escaped both jams unscathed. Despite needing 54 pitches to get through the first two frames, Skenes was able to deliver five-shutout innings for the Pirates (65-73).

The prized rookie matched a career-high with four walks and allowed four hits but struck out six batters. He threw 100 pitches, 62 of which went for strikes. 

Andrew McCutchen opened the game’s scoring with a sacrifice fly in the top of the third against Kyle Hendricks. Later in the inning, Rowdy Tellez singled home a run to give the Pirates a 2-0 advantage. 

With one out in the seventh inning, Jared Triolo lined a three-run home run to put the game on ice. The 371-foot laser was Triolo’s seventh homer of the season. 

Though it wasn’t a save situation, David Bednar handled the ninth and delivered a 1-2-3 inning. Bednar, Colin Holderman and Carmen Mlodzinski covered four-shutout innings of relief. 

Key Moment

Given the bullpen woes, Triolo’s home run gave the Pirates plenty of breathing room and ensured Skenes’ efforts would not go to waste. 

BIG TRI OVER THE IVY 👏 pic.twitter.com/BRfBJyLwM2

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) September 4, 2024

Star of the Game

Skenes grinded through his outing but still showed how effective he can be. He’s now won three of his last four starts.

Stat to Know

With six more strikeouts, Skenes is now up to 142 on the season. That’s tied with Cy Blanton in 1935 for the most in a single season by a Pirates’ rookie in franchise history.

Noteworthy

• The Pirates claimed left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz from the Detroit Tigers. He will be added to the active roster when he reports to the club later this week.

Up Next

The Pirates and Cubs will meet for the final time this season on Wednesday night. Pittsburgh hasn’t announced a starting pitcher as of yet and Shota Imanaga (11-3, 3.14 ERA) will start for the home team. First pitch: 7:40 ET.