Paul Skenes appreciated the love he received Tuesday night from St. Louis fans.
When the Pirates starter was pulled from the game with one out and a man on second in the seventh inning, he did so to a standing ovation from Cardinals fans.
Paul Skenes got a standing ovation from Cardinals fans after another strong outing ????
(via @TalkinBaseball_)pic.twitter.com/h6s70qDf06
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 12, 2024
Or so he was told.
After the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh, Skenes admitted that he was still too locked in while leaving the game to notice the reaction.
“I’ll be honest, I didn’t really notice it in the moment,” Skenes said on SportsNet Pittsburgh after the game. “I was kind of just (ticked) that I gave up a hit.
“But I got a text about it. Looking back, I realize what happened. They are cool fans.”
Related
• Pirates’ Paul Skenes tests limits with career high in pitches, innings in St. Louis series opener
• Paul Skenes dazzles again, Pirates plate a pair in the 9th to top Cardinals
• First Call: Speculation on Mike Tomlin’s contract value; Diontae Johnson wants some respect
Skenes left a scoreless game after 6⅓ shutout innings. He yielded five hits but allowed no runs and no walks while striking out eight. The rookie right-hander threw 103 pitches.
The Pirates ended up winning the game 2-1. Colin Holderman got the victory. A save went to David Bednar.
The two teams play again Wednesday night with Bailey Falter on the hill for Pittsburgh against St. Louis’ Sonny Gray.
