Full Breakdown
Paul Skenes' Near-No-Hitter Powers Pirates Past Rockies
5/14/2026, 1:46:10 AM
Dominant Eight-Inning Performance
On May 12, 2026, at PNC Park, Pittsburgh right-hander Paul Skenes threw eight scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies. He struck out ten batters, allowed only two hits and no runs in a 3-1 Pirates victory.
Recent Form and Season Context
Skenes entered the game with a 6-2 record and a 1.98 ERA, leading the National League in WHIP (reported as either 0.64 or 0.714). He has not allowed a run in his last 16 innings and has gone five consecutive starts without issuing a walk.
Key Figures
- Paul Skenes – 23-year-old pitcher, 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner.
- Don Kelly – Pirates manager, who praised Skenes’ command and pitch mix.
- Oneil Cruz – Pirates centerfielder, involved in a missed catch on the no-hit bid.
- Warren Schaeffer – Rockies manager, who called Skenes “really good.”
Statistical Highlights
- 8 IP, 10 K, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB.
- WHIP: 0.64 (NY Post) vs. 0.714 (Sports Illustrated).
- 6 1/3 innings of no-hit ball before Mickey Moniak’s seventh-inning single.
- 98 pitches (68 strikes), 0.64 WHIP, 0.714 WHIP discrepancy noted.
- Pirates: 23-19, fourth in NL Central, four games behind the Cubs.
Official Statements & Responses
Skenes said his “nice bunt” remark was self-directed, not aimed at Rockies shortstop Willi Castro, and that he chose to exit after 98 pitches, noting “it’s a long season…just got to see the big picture.” Kelly highlighted Skenes’ “impressive” command, mix of pitches, and the rarity of consecutive eight-inning starts with two hits and no walks. Schaeffer acknowledged Skenes’ dominance, calling him “really good.”
Criticism, Opposition, and Crowd Reaction
Castro’s third-inning bunt drew boos from the PNC Park crowd. Skenes’ on-field comment “nice bunt” was interpreted by some as sarcasm toward Castro, prompting speculation that he had spoken to the batter. He later clarified the comment was to himself.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans gave Skenes a standing ovation as he left the mound and chanted “We Want Paul!” after the eighth inning. Reliever Gregory Soto secured the win with his fourth save despite a late RBI double.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Skenes’ WHIP (0.64 vs. 0.714) and on whether the “nice bunt” remark was heard by the crowd or only by reporters. No official clarification on the exact pitch speed of his eighth-inning fastball appears.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think I said anything to him,” — Paul Skenes, Pirates pitcher
- “You were shocked when he gave up a hit,” — Don Kelly, Pirates manager
- “He was really good,” — Warren Schaeffer, Rockies manager
- “I ran so hard, I’ll tell you now that I would not run after my kids like that,” — Oneil Cruz, Pirates centerfielder
Why It Matters
Skenes’ performance places him among the most dominant pitchers in modern baseball, reviving talk of a Pirates no-hit record not seen since 1997. His walk-free streak and low WHIP underscore a rare blend of velocity and control that could shape Pittsburgh’s playoff prospects.
What’s Next
Skenes is scheduled to start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday, May 17, giving the Pirates another chance to build on his historic stretch.
