Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Strong Roansy Contreras Start, Paul Skenes Struggles

Recapping Saturday's Pirate minor league action

Despite falling in an early hole, the Double-A Altoona Curve were able to rally to defeat the Akron RubberDucks 9-8 in walk off fashion. With the walk off victory, the Curve are now 56-60 on the season.

Even the best pitchers are going to struggle at times. This was on display on Saturday night in Altoona when Paul Skenes, who had dominated in his first three professional outings, struggled in his first start at Double-A.

Skenes recorded just two outs in the 1st inning, allowing 4 runs on three hits, two walks, and two strikeouts. Despite his struggles, Skenes will be just fine. It was just one of those days for the top pitching prospect in baseball.

A trio of three-hit games led the way for the Altoona offense. Designated hitter Joe Perez went 3-for-3 with two walks, a home run, two runs scored, and a pair of RBI. Matt Gorski was 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles and three runs scored. Catcher Carter Bins also had three hits, including a double while driving in a run and scoring a run.

Going to the bottom of the 9th the Curve were trailing 8-7. Tsung-Che Cheng and Gorski hit back-to-back doubles to start the inning and tie the game. Then with two outs, Bins singled home Gorski to walk it off for the Curve.