Mick Abel outdueled Paul Skenes to win his major league debut, striking out nine over six innings, to lead Philadelphia over the Pittsburgh Pirates 1-0 on Sunday for a three-game sweep and the Phillies’ 15th win in 20 games.
Abel, a 23-year-old right-hander selected 15th overall by the Phillies in the 2020 draft, allowed five hits and walked none.
Paul Skenes is 0-3 in his last four starts despite a 2. 52 ERA in that span. Skenes struck out nine in the complete game outing and only gave up three hits.
Pirates manager Don Kelly on his hard-luck losing pitcher. “Yeah, unbelievable,” Said Kelly. “I mean, just the way that he went about it, the stuff that he had was able to look like he had a little bit more on the fastball there today. You know, the off-speed was working.” The Bucs’ Manager continued,” He got early soft contact. I mean, there really wasn’t even hard contact today. I mean, he did a great job out there. He pitched unbelievably well and deserved a win in that one.”
Mitch Keller will be on the mound for the Pirates tonight (May 19) for their homestand home opener against the Cincinnati Reds. You can catch the pregame at 6:15 on WESB Sports/B107. 5 FM.
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