Pirates Snap 10-Game Skid as Skenes Also Ends Drought; Cutch, Cruz Hurt

PITTSBURGH — Paul Skenes worked six-strong innings to help the Pittsburgh Pirates finally put an end to their 10-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners at PNC Park on Friday night. 

Recap

After Skenes held the Mariners (63-60) scoreless through the first three innings, Luke Raley put the Mariners ahead 2-0 with a two-run shot to right field in the fourth.

The Pirates (57-64) immediately cut the Mariners’ lead in half in the bottom of the inning on an Isiah Kiner-Falefa RBI-double to left. 

With one out in the bottom of the fifth, Yasmani Grandal hit a 404-foot solo home run (and an A+ bat flip) to right field to even the score. Later in the inning, McCutchen put the Pirates up by a run with a sacrifice fly to left field.

Yaz! pic.twitter.com/Oy747m8Mim

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 17, 2024

After McCutchen singled in the bottom of the seventh, he came up hobbling while running to first base and was immediately replaced by pinch runner Ji Hwan Bae.  McCutchen was removed with left knee discomfort and is being examined and treated by the medical staff. 

Two batters later, Oneil Cruz doubled home two runs but the Pirates’ shortstop was also removed from the game due to left ankle discomfort. He’s also being examined and treated. 

Skenes (7-2) got his first win since July 11 after allowing just two runs in six innings pitched. He yielded three hits, walked four and struck out six batters.

After blowing his last two save opportunities, David Bednar converted his 21st save of the season despite allowing a leadoff homer to Jorge Polanco by striking out the final three batters.

Key Moment

With runners on the corners, one out and the Pirates up a run in the top of the sixth, Skenes got Dominic Canzone to hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. 

Star of the Game

Skenes wasn’t as sharp as he’s been for much of the season, but he still got the job done to finally put and end to the Pirates’ lengthy slide.

Stat to Know

McCutchen’s single extended his season-long hitting streak to 11 games. He’s batting .326 (14 for 46) over that span. It’s the second-longest hitting streak by a Pirate behind Bryan Reynolds’ remarkable 25-game streak. 

Noteworthy

• Skenes’ four walks set a career-high. He had walked three batters in a game twice this season, once on July 29 and once on Aug. 4. 
• Bednar has been scored upon in each of his last six appearances. He has an 11.38 ERA during that time (8er/6.1ip).

Up Next

The Pirates and Mariners will continue their weekend series in a rare Saturday matinee. Bailey Falter (5-7, 4.07 ERA) will start for Pittsburgh opposite Luis Castillo (10-11, 3.40 ERA). First pitch: 1:05 ET.