Home / Sports / Skenes' Changeup Strategy Leads Pirates to Big Win
Skenes' Changeup Strategy Leads Pirates to Big Win
14 Apr
Summary
- Skenes utilized his changeup 36% of the time, surpassing his fastball.
- He allowed only one solo home run and one walk over six innings.
- Skenes' recent performance shows a 1.56 ERA over 17.1 innings.
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes employed a distinct strategy during his recent start against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. Instead of his usual high-velocity pitches, Skenes focused on his changeup, throwing it 36% of the time, which was more than his four-seam fastball at 32%.
This unconventional approach yielded positive results for Skenes, who pitched six innings and allowed just one solo home run and one walk over 88 pitches. He recorded 17 strikeouts in his last 17.1 innings of work, boasting a 1.56 ERA.
Skenes noted that the Nationals struggled with his changeup, prompting its increased usage. He mentioned the pitch "just felt good" and generated "bad swings" early on. While this strategy may not be a consistent long-term approach, Skenes demonstrated adaptability and effectiveness when a particular pitch is working well.
