Pirates Clinch Season Finale Against Yankees

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the New York Yankees 9-4, with standout performances from rookie pitcher Paul Skenes and the team's hitters. Skenes concluded his impressive rookie season, striking out both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge during his two perfect innings, finishing with an 11-3 record and a remarkable 1.96 ERA, which is among the lowest for a rookie since 1950. The Pirates hit five home runs in the game, with contributions from Yasmani Grandal, Jared Triolo, Nick Gonzales, Nick Yorke, and Billy Cook. This victory marked the Pirates' 76th win of the season, tying their previous year's total, as they aimed for a series sweep in the final game of the regular season. Skenes' performance solidifies his position as a top contender for the National League Rookie of the Year award, while Yankees starter Luis Gil struggled against the Pirates' offense. The game showcased Skenes' ability to dominate hitters with high-velocity pitches, further elevating expectations for his future in Major League Baseball.