Paul Skenes delivered a strong performance, holding the American League’s top team in check for six innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates capitalized on errors by the Toronto Blue Jays to secure a 5-2 win on Monday night.
Skenes, bouncing back from a recent rough outing, limited the Blue Jays to two runs while striking out eight batters. The 23-year-old pitcher showcased his skills, helping the Pirates secure a much-needed victory. Evan Sisk earned his first major league win with a solid seventh inning, while Dennis Santana closed the game with his eighth save.
The turning point came in the seventh inning when Henry Davis doubled and scored on a wild pitch, giving Pittsburgh the lead. Spencer Horwitz, a former Blue Jays player, contributed with two hits for the Pirates.
Despite a strong start, the Blue Jays faced defensive struggles, committing multiple errors that proved costly. Tempers flared briefly in the seventh inning between Pittsburgh’s Tommy Pham and Blue Jays catcher Tyler Heineman, adding intensity to the game.
Following the game, both teams’ perspectives on the heated exchange differed, with Blue Jays manager John Schneider focusing on the team’s performance rather than the altercation.
The intense game sets the stage for the upcoming matchup between Max Scherzer and Mitch Keller on Tuesday, promising another thrilling contest between the two teams.