Sept. 9—Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Paul Skeens will look to win his fourth consecutive game when the Pirates open a three-game series with the visiting Miami Marlins on Monday.
The Pirates (67-76) and Marlins (54-89) advanced to their series finales on Monday with wins over the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies, respectively.
Skeens (9-2, 2.13 ERA) is 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA in his last four starts. In his last start, he threw 100 pitches in five scoreless innings for a win over the Cubs and survived bases-loaded jams in each of the first two innings. He allowed four hits, walked four and struck out six.
“I think whatever situation he comes into, it will make him better,” Buccaneers manager Derek Shelton said. “As we’ve talked about many times, a lot of guys have gone through this in the minor leagues and he’s gone through it at the major league level.”
Skeens has yet to start against the Miami Heat.
The Marlins will be countered by rookie right-hander Valente Bellozzo (2-2, 3.78), who will make his 10th MLB start.
Bellozzo gave up a total of 11 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings in two starts before a standout performance against the Nationals on September 4. He pitched six-plus scoreless innings and allowed three hits in a no-decision game.
The Pirates and Marlins used their rookie hitters to advance in a four-game series on Sunday.
Pittsburgh’s Billy Cook, called up from Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, hit a two-run double in his major league debut to give the Pirates a 7-3 win over the Nationals.
Cook was originally an outfielder who could play second and first base, but made his debut at first. They acquired pitcher Patrick Riley from the Orioles at the trade deadline. Cook hit .276 with nine stolen bases and five home runs in 30 games with Indianapolis.
“Being a utility guy, they thought I was a guy that could move around and be able to get in the lineup,” Cook said. “If it’s starting or in the outfield, that’s what I’m going to do.”
Joey Bart hit a two-run homer and Andrew McCutchen and Michael A. Taylor each hit a home run as the Pirates rebounded from a Saturday doubleheader sweep.
The Marlins won the game on Sunday, beating the Phillies 10–1.
Connor Norby had his first career multi-homer game and rookie Griffin Conine had three hits. Noby has six home runs, 13 RBIs and a hit in 17 of 18 games since being recalled from Triple-A on August 19.
Javier Sanoja had an RBI single in his major league debut on Saturday and had two hits in his first start on Sunday.
“I was like, ‘Who is this little guy? He rubs, he just rubs, he rubs, he rubs everybody and everything,'” Nobby said of Sanoa. “I’m glad he’s here.”
Sanoja, who turned 22 on Tuesday, was a non-roster invitee to Marlins training camp. He began the season at Double-A Pensacola but played only 15 games there before being promoted to Triple-A Jacksonville and then Miami.
“He got here pretty quickly,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “He played in the (Dominican Summer League) three years ago. Honestly, he still looks like he could play in the DSL, he’s young, but it’s good to see him here.”
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