Max Fried Matches Paul Skenes as Atlanta Braves KO Pirates in 10

The main topic of discussion before the game was the matchup on the mound. Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried took the mound Saturday to face Pittsburgh Pirates new phenom Paul Skenes.

“At the end of the day, I’m not facing the other pitcher, I’m going to face the other lineup,” Fried said of the matchup in a post-match interview. “You know the races will probably be expensive. You really have to try to hold the other side on a few things and figure out how to do it.

Skenes shook first when he gave up a solo shot to Jarred Kelenic to lead off the bottom of the first and give the Braves an early 1-0 lead.

The Pirates scored a run against Fried in the top of the fifth inning when Edward Olivares hit a sacrifice fly to right, scoring Michael Taylor to tie the game 1-1.

It’s hard to say whether one pitcher outperformed the other. Both pitched six innings and allowed only one run. They also gave up six hits. The game was tied when they both left the game. If a winner had to be determined, Skenes had two walks to Fried’s three and nine strikeouts to Fried’s four.

Skenes can be said to have surpassed Fried.

After both pitchers left, the game remained 1-1 heading into the 10th inning. The Pirates appeared to have the go-ahead run, but the Braves contested the play at the plate. Pitcher Daysbel Hernandez scored Olivares just before his foot slipped on home plate.

Adam Duvall, who already saved a run on a defensive play in the sixth inning, led off the bottom of the 10th for the Braves and, on the second pitch of the inning, hit a long shot into the gap in right center to score Luke Williams. and win it at 10th. Fried ultimately had the last word.

Fried also got to see his teammate come back into the game after he had struggled most of the season.

“You knew it was a matter of time. Duvy is a hell of a player,” Fried said from Duval. “He’s been one for a long time.”

The Braves are aiming for a sweep Sunday afternoon. Spencer Schwellenbach (1-3, 5.40) looks to rebound from a rough outing in St. Louis (5 IP, 4 ER) when he faces the Pirates’ Bailey Falter (3-6, 4.00). First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 a.m.