The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Paul Skenes finally got some run support and the Houston Astros’ Lance McCullers Jr. tied a career milestone.
Each pitcher will look to follow up with another strong outing on Tuesday night when the visiting Astros take on the Pirates in the first of a three-game series.
Skenes (4-5, 2.15 ERA) has regained his Cy Young-candidate form over his past three starts and finally got some backup from the Pirates’ lineup during a 10-1 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday.
With a pair of days off for the team since hsi last outing, Skenes’ start was moved up in the rotation and still is on five days’ rest, which was the norm during his National League Rookie of the Year season. Skenes made his lone career start vs. Houston last season and finished with a no-decision after allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits over six innings.
The Pirates have been playing a bit better since former manager Derek Shelton was fired and replaced by bench coach Don Kelly on May 8. Pittsburgh went 3-3 on their recent road trip, winning two of three at Arizona before losing two of three at San Diego, including a 6-4 loss Sunday when the bullpen let a 4-2 lead slip away.
Andrew McCutchen hit his 240th home run as a member of the Pirates on Sunday, tying Roberto Clemente for third most in club history. Willie Stargell leads the list with 475, followed by Ralph Kiner (301).
“We’re just playing better baseball,” McCutchen said. “It’s the obvious stuff that we’re doing. We’re doing things right, and that’s helping us win some ball games. Can’t get to the reasons why. We’re just playing good baseball.”
Houston just split a four-game seried at home against the Tampa Bay Rays with drastically different outcomes. The Astros were outscored 30-9 for the series, but 29-6 in two lopsided losses. Houston’s two wins came by a combined score of 3-1.
The Astros have won six of their past eight games and seven of their past 10 to remain near the top of the American League West.
McCullers Jr., who has never pitched against the Pirates, matched a career high with 12 strikeouts in a 5-3 win over the Athletics on Wednesday. He gave up three runs on five hits and one walk over a season-high six innings.
It was a welcome result for McCullers, who has dealt with plenty during his comeback season after missing the past two seasons due to injury.
McCullers Jr. needed 24-hour security recently following a poor start on May 10 against Cincinnati in which he allowed seven runs while recording only one out.
The Astros contacted MLB security and the Houston Police Department after social media threats surfaced, and team owner Jim Crane hired the security detail for McCullers’ family. Police said Monday that a bettor based overseas was the source of the threats.
“There are people who are threatening his life and the life of his kids because of his performance tonight,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “It’s very unfortunate that we have to deal with this — after all he’s done for this city, for this team. I’ve got kids, too. And it really drives me nuts that we have to deal with this.”
–Field Level Media
