Paul Skenes is making waves in his first World Baseball Classic, and he's certainly leaving his mark. Last Monday, he dazzled with four shutout innings against Mexico, leading Team USA to victory. Fast forward to Sunday, and Skenes delivered another standout performance, holding the Dominican Republic's formidable lineup to just one run over 4 1/3 innings in a nail-biting 2-1 win for the USA.
After the game, Skenes shared his thoughts with MLB Network, reflecting on his approach and the tournament experience. "Going in, it’s all about executing," Skenes explained. "I came out of the game, and Skubal told me, ‘That’s the best lineup you’re ever gonna pitch against’… It’s just about going out there and executing."
Skenes' efforts have propelled Team USA into the World Baseball Classic Championship game. The Pirates' ace discussed the victory over the Dominican Republic with Greg and Harold, highlighting the challenge of facing such a talented lineup.
Despite allowing a solo homer to Junior Caminero and navigating a bases-loaded situation in the fourth, Skenes showcased his resilience. He ended the tournament with a stellar 2-0 record, a 1.08 ERA, nine strikeouts, and just one walk over 8 1/3 innings. It's safe to say, he's lived up to the hype in his WBC debut.
As Team USA gears up for the championship game on Tuesday, aiming for their first title in nine years, Skenes reflects on the journey. The 23-year-old expressed a mix of sadness and gratitude as the tournament wraps up.
"It’s been unbelievable, just sharing a clubhouse with all these guys for two weeks," he said. "I don’t want this to be the last game because I wanna be around these guys a little bit longer… It’s just an unbelievable group of guys."
Following the finale, Skenes will head back to Pirates spring training in Bradenton, Florida, to prepare for his Opening Day start against the New York Mets. His performance in the WBC has certainly set the stage for an exciting season ahead.