Paul Skenes Nears Perfect Game, Blankets Brewers into Seventh

This blog post recaps Paul Skenes’ near-perfect outing for the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. He carried a perfect game into the seventh inning, put up record-level numbers, and gave the Pirates’ rotation and playoff hopes a real jolt.

Paul Skenes’ Near-Perfect Outing Caps Dominant Start

In Friday night’s 6-0 victory, Skenes retired the first 20 Brewers. Jake Bauers broke up the bid with a two-out single in the seventh.

The 23-year-old righty looked in total control, mixing velocity with sharp command. Milwaukee just couldn’t get anything going against him.

Skenes has been on a tear since Opening Day. He’s posted a 0.95 ERA over his last five starts and holds a 2.01 ERA through his first 61 major-league games.

That 2.01 ERA is the lowest through 60 starts in the Live Ball Era, which stretches back to 1920. It’s kind of wild to see numbers like that in today’s game.

Record-Setting Feats and the Splinker

Friday’s outing showed off Skenes’ poise and willingness to grind through tough spots. He leaned on his signature splinker and kept attacking the strike zone, rarely falling behind hitters.

That mix let him keep the perfect game going into the seventh. It’s one of those stretches that stands out in the Pirates’ Expansion Era, and honestly, it felt special from both dugouts.

• 0.95 ERA over his last five starts
• 2.01 ERA through his first 61 major-league starts
• 2.01 is the lowest ERA through 60 starts in the Live Ball Era
• 6 2/3 innings of perfect baseball, tied for the third-longest in Pirates Expansion Era history
• Brewers manager Pat Murphy called it the best outing he’s seen from any pitcher

Opposition Reactions and Leadership on the Mound

Brewers manager Pat Murphy didn’t hold back—he called Skenes’ performance the best he’s seen from any pitcher. That’s saying something, considering how many arms he’s watched over the years.

Back in the Pirates’ dugout, manager Don Kelly and the team praised Skenes’ steady growth and presence on the mound. They admitted it’s a balancing act, trying to get the most out of their young ace without pushing him too far, especially as pitch counts climb late in games.

Season Outlook: What This Means for the Pirates

The result—another shutout win—just keeps fueling Pittsburgh’s confidence in its rotation. Skenes keeps delivering elite performances, and honestly, the Pirates look like real contenders in their division as the season rolls on.

Friday’s performance? It’s a clear reminder of the depth and potential hiding in Pittsburgh’s rotation. If Skenes keeps this up, and the rest of the rotation holds steady, the Pirates could find themselves near the top of the standings as the calendar flips.

Fans are starting to get a taste of what might be a high-ceiling, high-floor run for 2026 and beyond. There’s a sense of something big brewing here, even if it’s still early days.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Skenes flirts with perfection as he conquers Brewers