In Photos: Pirates ace Paul Skenes links up with Brewers legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker ahead of his start at American Family Field
Pirates All-Star rookie pitcher Paul Skenes linked up with Milwaukee Brewers' legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker at American Family Field on Tuesday. Pittsburgh opened the three-game series on the road against Milwaukee with a 12-2 win on Tuesday night.
Before the game started, Skenes requested to meet with Brewers broadcaster Uecker on the field. Uecker was a former World Series champion with the Cardinals in 1964 but has been the Brewers' most iconic commentator and broadcaster since 1971.
Take a look at the images here:
"Now THAT is iconic. During his first trip to MKE, Paul Skenes requested to meet the goat, Bob Uecker."
Skenes is said to make his final start of the first half of the campaign in the series finale against Milwaukee on Thursday before heading over to Arlington, Texas, to play the Midsummer Classic. Paul is 5-0 through 10 starts this season with the Pirates, with an ERA of 2.12, 78 strikeouts and 1.01 WHIP.
The Pirates had selected him as the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft. Before the draft, Skenes had helped the LSU Tigers claim their seventh College World Series. He led the collegiate baseball pitchers in strikeouts last season and was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series.
The Pirates are 44-47 in the season and are third in the NL Central division. A place as a wildcard entrant in the postseason is within their reach, provided their star ballplayers continue their consistent performances inside the diamond.
Two players from Pittsburg have received the All-Star nod this season: Paul Skenes and OF Bryan Reynolds. Manager Torey Lovullo is the chosen skipper to lead the NL All-Star team this season. History creator Skenes would be eager to find out whether he starts the Midsummer Classic on July 16.
Pirates rookie Paul Skenes is hopeful of possible start in Midsummer Classic
The decision to start rookie Skenes on the mound for the MLB All-Star game will depend on manager Torey Lovullo. Voicing his aspiration over the possibility of the same, Paul Skenes said:
"That would be cool. I have no expectations. I don't know how that works or who gets to decide that kinda thing, but that would definitely be cool."
He will be hopeful of heading into the All-Star break by registering a win on Thursday against the Brewers.