Paul Skenes Dominates Again as Pirates Ace Falls Just Short of No-Hitter

The Pittsburgh Pirates once again leaned on their ace Paul Skenes, who delivered another overpowering performance that underscored why he is widely regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. The reigning National League Cy Young winner continued to showcase elite velocity, precision, and command against the Colorado Rockies.

Skenes came within striking distance of a no-hitter, carrying the bid deep into the seventh inning while controlling the pace of the game from the opening pitch. His ability to consistently miss bats kept Colorado’s offense off balance for most of the night.

The performance highlighted both his consistency and his ability to elevate in high-pressure moments, even as opposing hitters began to make small adjustments late in the outing. Despite the near-historic achievement slipping away, his dominance remained unquestioned.

By the end of the night, Pittsburgh had secured another strong win anchored by its franchise cornerstone on the mound.

1. No-Hit Bid Ends, But Dominance Remains Intact

Skenes’ bid for history ended in the seventh inning when Mickey Moniak delivered a hit into left-center field, breaking up what had been a flawless stretch of pitching. The ball narrowly eluded a diving attempt from center fielder Oneil Cruz, who had nearly made a spectacular play on the ball. Despite the disappointment of losing the no-hitter, Skenes maintained control of the game and did not allow a run across eight innings of work. His ability to recover quickly after the hit demonstrated the poise that has defined his rise. He finished the outing allowing just two hits and three total baserunners, including a hit-by-pitch in the fifth inning. Even with the bid ending, his dominance remained largely uninterrupted. The outing added another standout performance to what has already been an elite season for the Pirates’ ace.

2. Cruz Contributes On Both Sides Of The Ball

While Cruz was involved in ending the no-hit bid defensively, he also played a significant role in supporting the Pirates’ overall effort. Offensively, he delivered a strong performance, recording three hits and scoring twice against the Rockies. His speed and athleticism were on display throughout the game, both at the plate and in the field. Cruz’s contributions helped provide balance to a game largely defined by Skenes’ pitching dominance. Defensively, he also redeemed himself later in the game with a key catch that prevented what could have been an important run for Colorado. That play reinforced his growing comfort in center field despite occasional lapses in earlier moments. After the game, Cruz lightheartedly reflected on his effort to chase down the seventh-inning ball, noting the intensity of the attempt and joking about how hard he had to run.

3. Skenes Reinforces Status As MLB’s Premier Ace

Even without the no-hitter, Skenes continued to strengthen his case as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. His ability to consistently generate strikeouts and limit traffic on the bases has become a defining feature of his game. The outing lowered his already impressive ERA while keeping his WHIP at an elite level, reflecting both his command and efficiency. His continued avoidance of walks has been particularly notable, as he has yet to lose control of the strike zone this season. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes’ consistency provides a foundation that stabilizes the entire pitching staff. His presence allows the team to compete in low-scoring games with confidence. As the season progresses, performances like this reinforce why he is viewed not just as a rising star, but as one of the most complete pitchers in baseball today.